A new IPSOS poll has put the SNP ahead of its rivals as voters look towards next year’s Scottish Parliament elections, with Labour slipping sharply and Reform pushing into second place contention.
The poll shows the SNP rising to 35 percent on the constituency vote.
Labour drops seven points to 16 percent.
Reform stands at 18 percent, placing both parties in a tight contest for second position.
The poll also shows support for independence at 52 percent.
The SNP leads voting intention on both the constituency and list ballots for Holyrood and also leads among Scottish voters for the next UK general election.
Keith Brown, SNP Depute Leader, said:
“This is an excellent poll which puts the SNP well ahead of the other parties while support for Labour nosedives, leaving them fighting it out with Nigel Farage for second place.
“This poll also shows support for independence in the majority, and it’s no wonder given the total failure of this UK Labour government to deliver for Scots.”
He said the party enters the election year with a clear message.
“Ahead of the election, the SNP has a clear plan to put Scotland’s energy in Scotland’s hands, and stand up for Scotland’s right to decide on a fresh start with independence.
“That is the positive case the SNP will be taking to Scottish voters ahead of next May, and the early indicators are looking good.”
The poll arrives at a time of increasing focus on Scotland’s political landscape as the parties prepare for a year shaped by constitutional debate and the future of Scotland’s energy and economic direction.
The rise in support for Reform places additional pressure on Labour as the party attempts to position itself as Scotland’s main challenger.
The figures also suggest that the constitutional question remains a central factor for many voters.
The 52 percent support for independence sits above the levels recorded in several recent UK wide polls and reinforces the continued divide on Scotland’s future.
The results provide encouragement to the SNP as it prepares its message for the months ahead and underline a shifting dynamic that will shape the early stages of the election campaign.
