Despite the intense media attention given to the Salmond affair the SNP is still on course for an overall majority.
However, today’s poll indicates its prospects are on a knife-edge.
SNP support has been gradually on the slide.
In early November it peaked at 54 per cent on the constituency vote and 43 per cent on the regional ballot. However, each Survation poll since then has registered some erosion.
If over the next two months support continues to fall at this rate, the SNP could fall short of the 65 seats it needs for a majority.
Nicola Sturgeon has to stop the rot. Her most immediate challenge is her appearance on Wednesday before the Scottish Parliament’s Salmond inquiry.
As of last Thursday – just before Salmond’s appearance the following day – the row had seemingly not damaged her popularity.
Among SNP voters, no fewer than 86 per cent back Sturgeon while just seven per cent prefer Salmond.
The First Minister’s other challenge is to guide Scotland safely out of the pandemic.
Over the last year, voters have backed her cautious approach to easing lockdown restrictions. However, in today’s poll more say that the end of April date for reopening the high streets is too late than too early.
Much of Sturgeon’s – and thus the SNP’s – popularity in recent months has rested on her handling of the pandemic. She now needs to ensure she continues to take the country with her.
