SNP ministers are doing a bad job in seven key areas including the NHS, living standards and the economy, voters say.
A poll found the Nats are also failing on education in a “damning verdict” on John Swinney’s government.
A poll found the Nats are doing a bad job in seven key areas, voters say[/caption]
The poll also found that there is “no consensus” on whether Scottish Labour can do a better job[/caption]
And the public was critical of the party’s record on helping those on low incomes as well as on tax bands and climate change.
But in a blow to Anas Sarwar’s chances of becoming First Minister in 2026, there is “no consensus” on whether Scottish Labour can do a better job.
Emily Gray, of Ipsos Scotland, said of its findings: “Fourteen months out from the next Holyrood elections, these findings suggest the Scottish public is broadly negative about the SNP’s record in government, but showing little enthusiasm for the alternatives.”
Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane weighed in: “Scots have delivered a damning verdict on the SNP’s gross mismanagement of our NHS over their 18 years in power but have no faith that Labour will do any better.”
On health, 57 per cent of Scots reckon the Nats are doing a “bad job”.
Some 48 per cent think the party is failing to boost living standards and the economy.
Ministers are also ruled to be flopping on education by 46 per cent of respondents.
A further four in ten believe income tax is not set at the right level.
The nation has three extra tax bands compared to England, with Scots earning at least £28,867 paying more than those down south.
But in a boost to the SNP, John Swinney — pictured in a hard hat as he toured a housing development in Edinburgh — is the least unpopular party leader in Scotland.
Favourability towards Mr Sarwar and Scottish Labour has plummeted since September after a difficult first few months for Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street.
But Ms Gray warned: “While the First Minister’s ratings are the least worst of any Scottish party leader, the public’s critical view of his government’s record on public services and the economy should give particular cause for concern.”
Labour have slumped to a 17-point deficit behind the SNP in the polls, having been level with the Nats ahead of the General Election last July.
Such a result next May would likely see the SNP returned as the biggest party in Scotland — extending their grip on power to more than 20 years.
But voters are most likely to say they do not believe Scottish Labour could do better than the SNP, including on key issues focused on by party chief Mr Sarwar such as the NHS.
And around a quarter of Scots believe the party would do a worse job on turning round the health system or Scotland’s schools.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said it was “no wonder” the public were “massively critical” of Nats’ handling of the NHS.
SNP MSP Fulton Mac- Gregor said: “After a string of broken promises, it is no wonder that Anas Sarwar and Labour’s popularity is plummeting”
But Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour’s deputy leader, hit back last night: “We will work to earn every vote.”
Ipsos quizzed 1,025 adults aged 16 and over from February 21-26.
John Swinney is the least unpopular party leader in Scotland[/caption]
