Scotland’s Deputy First Minister has called for an early Westminster election, saying the SNP is set to hold the “balance of power”.
Speaking to the Press Association at the party’s conference in Aberdeen on Thursday, Jenny Gilruth said: “We would welcome an early election.”
Poll shows SNP ahead of Labour
A poll commissioned by the party ahead of the conference showed 52% support for Scottish independence and 34% backing for the SNP at a Westminster election – 14 points ahead of Labour. A separate study by More in Common found 48% support for independence.
Gilruth said: “The polling, of course, suggests that the SNP would hold the balance of power in a hung parliament and really strong support for the SNP across the country allowing us to regain a number of seats.”
Conference and Choose Scotland campaign
She added: “We welcome the polling around about support for independence and, of course, we would welcome an early general election to solidify that support.”
Party delegates gathered in Aberdeen on Thursday to hear from senior leaders, with the First Minister due to speak on Saturday. The key announcement ahead of the conference was the launch of the Choose Scotland campaign – a new £100,000 push for independence.
Gilruth rejected assertions that the campaign was simply to energise the party’s base, saying: “I think we’ve got plenty to say to members.”
She said members would hear from the First Minister, herself and other ministers and delegates on these issues, adding: “We really do come off the back of a very strong election result for the SNP and I think it is important not to forget that – that was only in May.”
“Support for independence, support for the SNP remains strong and, of course, we will use that strength to build the case for independence and the launch of the campaign at conference is really part of that message.”
