Poll shows majority would back independence if Boris becomes PM

23 June 2019, 11:28 | Updated: 23 June 2019, 11:34

More than half of Scottish voters would vote to leave the UK if Boris Johnson becomes prime minister, a new poll suggests.

A Panelbase survey of 1,024 voters found that, at the moment, 49% of those questioned support Scottish independence (up one point since last month) while 51% are against it.

However, when asked how they would vote if Johnson were to become prime minister, 53% say they would back independence, with 47% against it.

The survey was conducted last week for the Sunday Times.

The poll found that Johnson has a personal approval rating of minus 37 north of the border, behind his leadership rival Jeremy Hunt, who shares an approval rating of minus 24 with Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's rating is neutral while Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson is on minus one.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's approval rating is minus 44 in Scotland.

SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: "This is a stunning poll that shows independence is within touching distance.

"Even without the nightmare scenario of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister a referendum would be too close to call - but if he wins, as expected, backing for independence is set to surge.

"Under any leadership, the Tories' support is slumping in Scotland - and after coming fourth in the European election the party is now set to lose seats at both Holyrood and Westminster.

"While we take nothing for granted, it's no wonder voters are continuing to put their faith in the SNP - the only party with a way out of the Brexit mess and a vision for a better Scotland."

A Scottish Conservative Party spokesman said: "No matter who wins the leadership race, Scotland is better off remaining part of the UK.

"There is no evidence the Scottish public have the appetite for a re-run of the 2014 vote.

"It is time instead for us to come together, to move on from constitutional division and focus on the things that matter."