Damning polls reveal what Scots REALLY think of the SNP after 19 years in power
Two polls suggest many Scots are dissatisfied with the SNP’s record after 19 years in power, with most saying the country is getting worse and viewing the party as out of touch, untrustworthy or incompetent. The findings point to a gap between the party’s continued lead in voting intentions and public assessments of its performance.
More in Common found that 62 per cent think Scotland is getting worse, while 8 per cent think it is improving. The SNP’s weakest policy rating was on the cost of living, where 63 per cent said it was doing badly and 9 per cent well; the poll also put support for independence at 48 per cent, against 52 per cent for remaining in the UK. Separate YouGov research found more than half of respondents held negative views of the SNP’s competence, trustworthiness and priorities.
- Most Scots surveyed think the country is getting worse.
- The SNP still leads voting intentions despite negative ratings.
- Polls show concerns about policy performance and public trust.
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The Scottish National Party (SNP) has led the Scottish Government since 2007, making it the longest-serving governing party in Scotland’s devolved parliament. The government is responsible for areas such as health, education and some taxes, while decisions on matters including defence and immigration are made by the UK government.
The SNP supports Scottish independence, which would mean Scotland leaving the United Kingdom and becoming a separate state. Independence has been a major issue in Scottish politics, alongside concerns about public services and household costs.
A party’s standing can differ depending on what people are asked: voters may still say they would support it at an election while expressing dissatisfaction with its record or leadership. Poll findings can help show these views, but they are snapshots of opinion and do not by themselves predict an election result.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
After 19 years in government, voters have good reason to judge the SNP by its record, and these polls suggest many are unhappy with outcomes, particularly on living costs. Negative views of the party’s competence, trustworthiness and priorities may reflect a broader loss of confidence that continued electoral support alone does not resolve.
The case against
Polls capture perceptions at a particular time and do not by themselves establish that the SNP caused Scotland’s difficulties or performed worse than plausible alternatives. The party’s continued lead in voting intentions suggests many voters still prefer its programme or leadership, and the divided view on independence points to an electorate with competing priorities rather than a settled verdict.