THE First Minister has responded to the latest Survation poll putting her party on track for a majority at the upcoming election.
The poll, carried out for DC Thomson, was the first to include Alex Salmond’s new Alba Party. It was carried out from March 29-30, just a few days after Alba launched.
The figures predict the SNP would return 66 MSPs, Labour will become the largest opposition party on 24, the Tories will crash down to 21 MSPs and the Greens will bring in a record 11 representatives. The LibDems would secure seven, it found.
READ MORE: Alex Salmond's Alba Party on three per cent in first election poll
Participants were also asked which politicians they have a favourable view of. Nicola Sturgeon was the most well-liked, with 50% of adults saying they have a favourable view of her, compared to 10% who have a favourable view of Salmond.
Just 18% of Scots had a favourable view of Douglas Ross (below) while 24% had a favourable view of Boris Johnson.
Survation put support for Alba Party on 3%. Professor John Curtice said the poll suggests “it’s all over for Salmond”, but felt he might successfully get a seat in the north-east.
A spokesperson for Alba disagreed. They said: “After only three days since the launch of Scotland’s fastest growing party Alba’s scores are on the board.
“These early indications put Alba within touching distance of representation across Scotland.
“With five weeks still to go Alba’s support can only grow as we approach Polling Day.
“It is worth noting that Alba has already achieved, in three days, approaching half the level of support of the Liberal Democrats, a party which has existed for over a century.”
Sturgeon was asked for her views on the Survation poll from last night while out on the campaign trail in Glasgow. Speaking to Global media, the SNP leader said the figures have “encouraged” her but show “there’s no grounds for complacency”.
READ MORE: Anas Sarwar says Alex Salmond's Alba Party should not be included in TV debates
“We’re in the early stages of an election campaign and every single vote counts and I think what the poll suggests is there is real risks with gambling with your votes,” she said.
“If you want an SNP Government, if you want to re-elect me as First Minister, if you want what we offer at this election which is strong leadership to get through the pandemic; economic and social policies that drive our recovery and after the pandemic, when the time is right, a chance to vote on Scotland’s future.
“And the way to get that is to vote and that is the clear message from that early poll that we saw last night.”
#BothVotesSNP https://t.co/UkH9gbuKIV
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 2, 2021
Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater also reacted to news that they would elect a record-number of MSPs.
She said: “I’m also proud that if this poll turns into votes we will have eight women and three men as our Scottish Green MSPs.
“We’re asking people to vote like our future depends on it and it’s clear that our plans for a green recovery and to tackle the climate emergency are connecting with voters.”
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