BORIS Johnson is equally as disliked as Margaret Thatcher in Scotland but not as well respected, according to a leading historian.
Sir Tom Devine spoke to the BBC’s Newsnight ahead of the Prime Minster’s trip to Scotland, explaining his unpopularity in the country.
Support for Scottish independence has gradually risen since Johnson won last year’s General Election, while more recently his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic has been linked to his plummeting approval rating.
Polling in recent weeks puts the Tory leader’s approval rating 99% behind the First Minister’s.
Devine told the programme that its English viewers should be “aware of how unpopular Johnson is” in Scotland.
“This is the first time since the demise of Margaret Thatcher that there has been another UK prime minister who is as equally disliked in Scotland."
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) July 22, 2020
— Sir Tom Devine, leading historian & supporter of Scottish independence, talks about the PM's popularity in Scotland#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/2M4NVYCyxY
He explained: “The euphemistic term would be from the man on the street, they regard him as a bumbling clown. And that Johnson factor has been very relevant in recent months.
“This is really the first time since the demise of Margaret Thatcher, that there has been another UK prime minister who is almost as equally disliked in Scotland. I think even you would say that one of the differences is there’s a degree of contempt for Johnson in a way there wasn’t for Thatcher. Massive opposition to many of her policies, particularly the poll tox, but I think there was a respect that this was a woman of authority and capacity.”
Today marks Johnson’s first full year in office. He has headed up to Scotland amid reports his government is in “full-blown panic mode” over rising support for independence.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson claims ‘Union has never been stronger’ ahead of Scottish visit
Panelbase surveys published in June and July found 54% of Scots would now vote Yes, a five-point surge since March.
Polling expert John Curtice said last week that it was the first time the pro-independence side were favourites to win.
READ MORE: Tom Devine: PM's visit shows fear FM has behaved more capably in pandemic
Keith Brown, the SNP depute leader, said: “The only reason Boris Johnson is coming here is because he is in full-blown panic mode amid rising support for independence.”
Before he travelled north, Johnson claimed the Union has “never been stronger”.
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