New poll shows increased lead for SNP
- an increased lead for the SNP in the Scottish Parliament poll,
- an SNP lead in Westminster ratings,
- a commanding lead for local income tax, with LIT support consistent with the last poll on the subject in April,
- massive leads for Alex Salmond over other Scottish political leaders, and Gordon Brown,
- strong support for independence.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"This is a fantastic poll for the SNP. The first test of Scottish opinion since Gordon Brown's relaunch, it shows the SNP's Holyrood lead over Labour stretching to 16 points, which would translate into 59 seats compared to just 36 for Labour. And it is once of the few polls in Scottish political history also to put the SNP in the lead for a Westminster General Election, with our support virtually doubled since the 2005 election.
"The poll is a huge vote of confidence in Alex Salmond and the Scottish Government.
"In terms of who would be best First Minister, Alex Salmond is SIX TIMES more popular than the most popular Labour leadership candidate, Cathy Jamieson - and 13 points more popular than the three Labour candidates, Annabel Goldie and Tavish Scott added together!
"And Alex Salmond has a solid ten point lead over Gordon Brown - who is dithering in the face of soaring energy bills - in being trusted to help people in their everyday lives.
"The policy to scrap the unfair Council Tax in favour of a fair local income tax remains hugely popular - and LIT has exactly the same high level of support in this poll as in the last survey on the subject, which is excellent.
"The poll also demonstrates that an independence referendum - and the case for equality for Scotland - is there to be won in all circumstances.
"The SNP will achieve success in our proposed referendum in 2010 on the basis of delivering successful government in Scotland - the kind of policies announced last week such as abolishing car parking charges in NHS run hospitals, plans for a massive expansion of hydro power, and our ambitious Programme for Scotland for the year ahead.
"In terms of the tale of two governments between Holyrood and Westminster, the SNP are powering ahead of Labour on every single indicator, because we are delivering the programme and the policies which meet the needs and aspirations of the Scottish people."
Holyrood Constituency Vote
SNP: 42% (+9)
Lab: 26% (-6)
Lib: 15% (-1)
Con: 13% (-4)
Holyrood Regional Vote
SNP: 35% (+4)
Lab: 25% (-4)
Lib: 14% (+3)
Con: 14% (n/c)
Scottish Parliament Seats
SNP: 59 (+12)
Lab: 36 (-10)
Lib: 19 (+3)
Con: 15 (-2)
Westminster election
SNP: 34% (+16)
Lab: 32% (-8)
Con: 17% (+1)
Lib: 13% (-10)
Who would make the best Scottish First Minister?
Alex Salmond: 41%
Annabel Goldie: 8%
Cathy Jamieson: 7%
Tavish Scott: 5%
Andy Kerr: 5%
Iain Gray: 3%
Do you support Salmond's plans to scrap council tax and raise income tax to 23p:
Support: 46%
Oppose: 31%
Don't know: 23%
Note: A TNS system Three poll between 23-29 April 2008 asked whether people supported or opposed the introduction of a local income tax to replace the Council Tax, and also found 46% in favour, with 22% opposed, and 32% Don't know.
How would you vote in a referendum on scottish independence?
For: 34%
Against: 50%
Under a Conservative Government Scenario:
For: 50%
Against: 41%
YouGov/Sunday Times poll, 3-5 September, sample 1,355 adults in Scotland
