THE unpopularity of the Tory leadership candidates in Scotland has been revealed in new polling, which shows how approval ratings from the public are even lower north of the border than the rest of the UK.
A survey of adults across the UK found that Rishi Sunak edged slightly ahead of Liz Truss – with a negative overall “favourability” rating of minus 30 compared to minus 32.
In Scotland, their popularity plunges further, according to the YouGov survey carried out between July 10 to 24.
Overall, 21% of those surveyed had a “very” or “somewhat” favourable opinion of Sunak. But with 69% saying they had a “very” or “somewhat” unfavourable opinion, his overall rating was minus 48.
Truss – who had attempted to play up her links to Paisley during her campaign - received lower positive ratings, with just 14% saying they had a “very” or “somewhat” favourable opinion of the Foreign Secretary.
However, she scored better on the negative feedback with 61% having a “very” or “somewhat” unfavourable opinion – giving her an overall rating of minus 47.
SNP MP Stewart Hosie (pictured) said: “While households attempt to grapple with the Tory-made cost of living crisis, both Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have been more interested in a race to the right as they attempt to out-Thatcher Thatcher in this toxic leadership contest.
“Regardless of who wins this contest, the people of Scotland will lose.
“Scotland faces the worst of both worlds with either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak as prime minister – with another round of devastating austerity, harmful policies and an extreme Brexit imposed upon us against our will.”
He added: “It’s clear that only with the full powers of independence will we be able to escape the long-term damage of Tory governments we don’t vote for, and be able to build a fairer and more prosperous society.”
A poll of Tory party members last week put Truss in the clear frontrunner position, with 60% of the vote compared to 26% for Sunak.
The only leadership hustings in Scotland between Sunak and Truss will take place in Perth on Tuesday, August 16. Both candidates have rejected holding another independence referendum.
Independence campaigners All Under One Banner have announced plans for a demonstration.
A similar protest was held in Perth when Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt took part in a leadership hustings in 2019.
