Kate Forbes Favoured Candidate to Become First Minister Among Scottish Public Says New Poll

With the new SNP leader due to be announced on Monday, new polling suggests that the Scottish public as a whole have the most favourable opinion of the Scottish Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes.

Among Scottish voters as a whole, 27% have a favourable opinion of Kate Forbes, compared to 35% saying they have an unfavourable opinion of her. 22% said they have a favourable opinion of the Health Secretary, Humza Yousaf compared to 42% having an unfavourable opinion. For Ash Regan, 14% of Scottish voters as a whole have a favourable opinion of her, compared to 38% having an unfavorable opinion.

Among those who voted SNP at the 2021 election however, 38% have a favourable opinion of Humza Yousaf compared to 37% saying the same about Kate Forbes and 22% saying so about Ash Regan.

As Nicola Sturgeon prepares to bow out as First Minister, she remains by far the most popular leader in Scotland with a net approval rating of +8 compared to Scottish Conservative Leader, Douglas Ross on -39, Scottish Labour Leader, Anas Sarwar on -4, the Prime Minister on -37 and Keir Starmer on -9.

When it comes to the parties as a whole, the SNP has a net favourability rating of -1 compared to Scottish Labour on -4 and the Scottish Conservatives on -42.

Commenting on the results, Emily Gray, Managing Director of Ipsos in Scotland, said: “As the SNP leadership contest nears its close, neither Humza Yousaf nor Kate Forbes has managed to open up a clear lead among the party’s voters – though of course it is the party membership who will decide. Meanwhile as Nicola Sturgeon prepares to step down as First Minister she remains much better regarded by the public than any of the three candidates to succeed her, or any of the other Scottish party leaders. Scottish Labour have had a spring in their step in recent weeks, but these findings indicate the party has work to do if they are to substantially improve their ratings among the Scottish public.”

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