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SNP Support Plummets in New Poll

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/06/snp-support-plummets-in-new-poll.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 20:12 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Edinburgh, Scotland - February 7th, 2026 - The Scottish National Party (SNP) is grappling with increasingly turbulent political waters as a new survey reveals a significant decline in support amongst the Scottish electorate. The poll, conducted by Savanta ComRes for The Scotsman, paints a picture of a once-dominant force facing a serious challenge from Labour, the Conservatives, and even the Liberal Democrats. While the SNP still holds the largest share of the vote, the narrowing lead raises critical questions about the future of the party and the long-term viability of the Scottish independence movement.

The latest figures show the SNP at 38% - a marked decrease from the 43% recorded in November. This represents a worrying trend for First Minister Humza Yousaf, who took the reins from Nicola Sturgeon last year and is now tasked with steering the party through a period of intense scrutiny and growing opposition. Labour is surging, currently at 31%, capitalizing on discontent with the incumbent government. The Conservatives, traditionally a minor force in Scotland, are holding steady at 21%, while the Liberal Democrats are seeing a modest 6% share.

This shift in the political landscape isn't occurring in a vacuum. Several key factors are contributing to the SNP's dwindling support. Chief among them is the persistent and deeply felt cost of living crisis impacting households across Scotland. Rising inflation, energy costs, and food prices are disproportionately affecting lower-income families, and voters are increasingly looking for a party that offers concrete solutions to these immediate economic pressures. While the SNP has implemented various support measures, they are perceived by many as insufficient to address the scale of the problem.

The independence debate, the SNP's raison d'etre, is also becoming increasingly nuanced and less universally embraced. For years, the issue galvanized support, but after multiple referendums and a perceived lack of clear progress, voter fatigue is setting in. Many Scots, even those who once favored independence, are now prioritizing economic stability and practical improvements to public services over constitutional questions. The uncertainty surrounding the terms of potential re-entry into the UK, or navigating life as an independent nation within the European Union, also continues to fuel hesitation. The logistical and economic hurdles have become more prominent in public discourse.

Beyond the broad economic and constitutional concerns, specific policy areas are coming under intense scrutiny. Education and healthcare, traditionally strengths for the SNP, are facing growing criticism. Recent reports have highlighted concerns about declining educational standards, lengthy waiting lists in hospitals, and staff shortages across the National Health Service (NHS) Scotland. Opponents are quick to point to perceived mismanagement and a lack of investment as contributing factors, while the SNP defends its record, citing funding constraints imposed by the UK government.

The political pressure on Yousaf is mounting. He's facing calls for a comprehensive review of the SNP's policy platform and a greater focus on addressing the day-to-day concerns of ordinary Scots. Some within the party are urging a temporary pause on pushing for another independence referendum, arguing that it's a distraction from the more pressing issues facing the country. However, this approach risks alienating the SNP's core base of supporters who remain committed to achieving independence.

The upcoming general election will be a crucial test for the SNP. If the current trends continue, the party could face significant seat losses, potentially jeopardizing its dominance in Scottish politics. This would not only have implications for Scotland but also for the broader UK political landscape, as the SNP currently holds a substantial number of seats in the House of Commons.

The rise of Labour in Scotland is particularly noteworthy. The party, under Keir Starmer's leadership, has been making concerted efforts to regain lost ground, emphasizing a focus on economic fairness and public service investment. This message appears to be resonating with voters who are disillusioned with the SNP and are looking for a viable alternative.

The survey data suggests that the political landscape in Scotland is far from settled. The SNP's future electoral prospects are uncertain, and the dream of Scottish independence may be fading for some. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the party can regain momentum and reconnect with the Scottish people, or whether a new era of political realignment is on the horizon.