THERE is a “striking” difference between Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson’s popularity in Scotland, a new poll shows.
The YouGov survey, carried out for The Times, found support for Scottish independence is at 53% while 57% of Scots plan to vote SNP at next year’s election.
It also put the First Minister’s net approval rating at +50 while the Prime Minister lagged behind at -50. Since last year, it marked a boost of 45 points for Sturgeon and a decrease of 16 for the Tory leader.
Ruth Davidson, recently announced as the Tory group leader at Holyrood, followed up Sturgeon with an approval rating of 15, while Labour leader Keir Starmer’s stood at 14.
Former SNP MP Stephen Gethins noted the major difference between Sturgeon and Johnson in the poll.
READ MORE: Yes support soars as SNP set for record Holyrood majority
“These [The Times/YouGov] leadership approval ratings this morning are quite something. Clearly work to do but this is quite striking.”
The YouGov survey also found a strong backing for the First Minister’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, with her approval rating on the issue standing at 60 points compared to Johnson’s 39.
YouGov’s poll showed support for Scottish independence at 53%, with don’t knows removed, a rise of two percentage points since the company last asked the question in April. It comes after two Panelbase polls put support for self-determination at 54% earlier this summer.
These @thetimesscot @YouGov leadership approval ratings this morning are quite something. Clearly still work to do but this is quite striking. pic.twitter.com/wC83umRqGR
— Stephen Gethins (@StephenGethins) August 12, 2020
Polling expert John Curtice gave his take on the latest figures this morning.
He said: "Never before have the foundations of public support for the Union looked so weak.
"Our latest poll from Panelbase confirms other recent polling that has suggested those who intend to vote Yes in a second independence referendum have nudged ahead.
"Support for the SNP is also at a record high.
"Panelbase's polls conducted over the past six months, including today's, have on average put 'yes' on 51% and 'no' on 49%.
"This is the first time in polling history that 'yes' has been ahead over such a sustained period.
"Support for independence is up three points on that recorded on average last year - and six points on 2018."
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