Labour’s decision to “agree 100 per cent” with the Tories on the constitution is a key reason why Labour have recorded their lowest ever opinion poll ratings in Scotland.

The new Ipsos MORI poll on Holyrood voting intentions published this week shows that Labour has fallen to an all time low of 23 per cent – a figure that would see them retain just one constituency seat in a Scottish general election.

With the SNP polling at 49 per cent, the 26 point lead over Labour is the highest ever recorded. Commenting, Kenneth Gibson, the SNP MSP for Cunninghame North, said:

“These disastrous poll ratings for Labour just one month into Johann Lamont’s leadership – the worst ever recorded by the Labour Party in Scotland – beg the question of why they have slumped 9 points even from last year’s Holyrood election.

“Instead of making a positive contribution to the debate on Scotland’s future, Labour has chosen to join in a toxic pact with the Tories to stand in the way of job-creating powers and more responsibilities for the Scottish Parliament.

“It is clear that the people of Scotland are rightly appalled by Labour agreeing “100 per cent” with the Tories on Scotland’s future.

“Added to this is Labour’s continued total negativity as an Opposition at Holyrood – and at Westminster their increasing convergence with the Tories on the economy and spending cuts.

“It is clear that Labour will do little to oppose the cuts that are proving so damaging to our economy and our public services. There is now effectively a Tory-Labour consensus on the economy as well as the constitution.

“With no credibility on the constitution, no credibility on the economy, and their continued negativity, it is no wonder that Scottish voters are abandoning Labour in ever greater numbers."