John Swinney to face FMQs as poll shows Reform surging behind SNP

John Swinney will face First Minister’s Questions as a new poll suggests Reform UK are gaining ground behind the SNP ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections.

The poll also suggests that Scottish Labour’s support has fallen.

The Ipsos Scotland Political Pulse survey of 1,061 adults, conducted between November 27 and December 3, shows the SNP on 35% of the Scottish Parliament constituency vote.

That’s a 17-point lead over Reform UK, who stand on 18%, up four points since June.

Politics

Reform surges behind SNP as Labour support falls, poll shows

Ipsos Scotland Political Pulse survey gives John Swinney’s party a 17-point lead over Reform UK ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

Scottish Labour’s constituency vote share has dropped seven points since June to 16%.

The poll also revealed that healthcare and the NHS is the top concern for 57% of voters ahead of May’s election.

Inflation/rising cost of living follows on 41%, and immigration has surged in prominence, now on 30%, after not featuring in the top ten issues in June.

Reform UK supporters are particularly motivated by immigration, with 80% saying it is a very important issue.

The First Minister might be questioned on some of these topics at FMQs on Thursday.

None of the party leaders asked about in the poll were rated positively overall by the public.

First Minister John Swinney is the most popular, with 35% of the public saying they are satisfied with his performance and 49% that they are dissatisfied – a “net” satisfaction rating of -14.

Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar’s approval ratings have fallen since June, with 23% of the public satisfied with him and 51% dissatisfied – a net satisfaction rating of -28.

FMQs will be broadcast from the Scottish Parliament at midday on Thursday.