SNP moves ahead in latest poll

The SNP is in the driving seat among voters for both Holyrood and Westminster, according to polling evidence released today.

The findings were welcomed by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who said it showed the SNP were "winning the debate" in Government.

The poll by Ipsos-Mori for Holyrood Magazine puts the SNP seven points ahead of Labour for Holyrood and two points ahead for Westminster.Ms Sturgeon, also the SNP deputy leader, said:

"These are really excellent poll ratings for the SNP at both Westminster and Holyrood."Not only do they demonstrate that the SNP Government is winning the debate in Holyrood but also building support for sending SNP MPs to fight Scotland's corner in Westminster.

"They also show our vote is far more motivated than Labour's.

At Holyrood, the SNP is on 36% and Labour on 29%, according to the poll, with the Tories (14%) and Lib Dems (14%) trailing behind.

At Westminster, the SNP is on 32% and Labour on 30% with the Tories on 17% and the Lib Dems on 13%.