SNP ahead of Labour in 'breakthrough' poll

The Scottish National Party hailed the findings of a YouGov poll in the Daily Telegraph today, which for the first time puts the SNP ahead of Labour in voting intentions for a UK General Election.

The figures are (change from the 2005 election in brackets):

SNP: 33% (+15)

Lab: 29% (-11)

Con: 20% (+4)

Lib Dem: 14% (-9)

In addition, the poll shows that Scots want the SNP to win the Glasgow East by-election:

49% want the SNP’s John Mason to win.

33% want Labour’s Margaret Curran to win.

SNP Depute Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:

“This is a hugely significant poll – showing the SNP ahead of Labour for the first time for a UK General Election, and 15 points up on the 2005 result .

"It is a breakthrough poll, which demonstrates the political earthquake that is underway in Scotland.

“It is the first test of opinion in Scotland since the Glasgow East by-election was called, and gives the SNP a 16 point lead in terms of who people want win.

"That is a massively encouraging finding, which will fuel the SNP’s campaign and have Labour quaking in their boots.

“The poll is a fantastic springboard for a successful SNP campaign in Glasgow East.

"The SNP are ‘on your side’, and this poll shows that the people are on the SNP’s side – which is why I believe we can secure a sensational victory in Glasgow East on 24 July."

The poll sample was 1,131 adults across Scotland between 8-10 July