A new opinion poll has put the Scottish National Party (SNP) on course to win all 59 seats in Scotland at the upcoming general election, according to a survey published on Wednesday. The poll shows SNP support surging to 54 per cent, a 34-point lead over Labour, which has slumped to just 20 per cent in its traditional Scottish heartland.
Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader and Scottish First Minister, has vowed to give Parliament 'the fright of its life' if her party secures a landslide victory. Speaking in Glasgow, she said the election offers 'an opportunity to give Westminster the fright of its life and the biggest shake-up perhaps it has ever seen'.
The poll, conducted by YouGov for the Daily Mail, suggests the Conservatives are on 17 per cent in Scotland, just three points behind Labour. An analysis by the paper indicates that if replicated on election day, the SNP would seize all 59 Scottish seats, up from just six in 2010.
Prime Minister David Cameron warned that a strong SNP showing could lead to a hung parliament and political instability. 'I think there is a risk to Britain… if government comes to a shuddering halt you can find parts of the economy coming to a juddering halt,' he said during a campaign stop in Warwickshire.
Labour leader Ed Miliband has faced criticism from within his own party, with the New Statesman magazine describing him as having 'severe limitations and strategic weaknesses'. The magazine, which backed Miliband's 2010 leadership bid, said he 'has never succeeded in inspiring the electorate and has struggled to define himself'.
Sturgeon made clear she expects to wield significant influence in a hung parliament, telling ITV's Tonight programme: 'He can say what he likes now, but he will have to wake up and smell the coffee on May 8. We have got bargaining power on every single vote.' She added that if Miliband refused to negotiate, 'then he won't get his business through'.
