A new poll reveals that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wields more influence over Scottish voters than Labour leader Anas Sarwar, highlighting the party’s disconnect from the electorate.
A recent poll has unveiled a troubling reality for the Labour Party in Scotland, particularly in light of their struggle to disconnect from the disillusionment that voters have towards leadership emanating from Westminster. As the conference in Glasgow approaches, the results show that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds greater sway over Scottish voters than Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour. Conducted by Opinion Matters for the communications firm Big Partnership, the survey of 1,000 participants reveals a growing frustration with the inertia and popularity of Labour’s leadership.
A noticeable 29.5% of respondents indicated that the Prime Minister would influence their votes more than Sarwar, with an additional 12.4% asserting his impact would be “significantly more.” In contrast, only a paltry 12.6% believed Sarwar could sway their decision-making. The survey results highlight a dire predicament for Labour in Scotland, emphasizing a disconnect from the very voters they need to persuade ahead of the upcoming Holyrood elections.
The findings point to a perpetual struggle faced by the Labour Party, as well as the Conservative Party, in winning over Scots who have grown tired of being governed by leaders whose actions and policies have little relevance to their lives. After a brief period of resurgence last summer, Sarwar’s leadership now appears to be faltering once again, largely due to a series of unpopular decisions that have sparked discontent among the electorate. The lack of a clear and credible alternative to the status quo demonstrates the precarious position in which the Labour Party finds itself.
Fraser Paterson, head of public affairs at Big Partnership and a former adviser to a Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), drew attention to the implications of the poll’s findings, shedding light on Labour’s inability to resonate with voters. “These results pose significant questions about the influence dynamics within the Labour Party, particularly as Sarwar seems unable to break free from the shadow of an unpopular leadership. His capacity to establish a distinct electoral identity separate from Westminster appears increasingly limited,” he noted.
As the Scottish Labour conference unfolds, questions abound regarding the party’s direction and the critical decisions that lie ahead. With shifting political landscapes, voters in Scotland seek accountability and genuine representation—qualities that the current Establishment seems ill-equipped to deliver. There has never been a better time for alternative political voices to rise up and provide a better focus for the electorate tired of being let down by the traditional parties’ leadership.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/02/16/scottish-labour-poll-worst-election-result-devolution/ – This article corroborates the struggle of Scottish Labour, highlighting a significant decline in support and the challenges faced by Anas Sarwar in establishing a distinct identity separate from Westminster.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_Kingdom_general_election_in_Scotland – This Wikipedia entry provides context on the recent resurgence of Labour in Scotland during the 2024 general election, contrasting with their current struggles.
- https://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/prediction_main.html – While not directly addressing Scottish Labour, this site offers insights into broader UK political trends, which can influence Scottish voter perceptions and party dynamics.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/scotland/scotland_politics – The BBC often covers Scottish politics, providing updates on the challenges faced by political parties in Scotland, including Labour’s efforts to connect with voters.
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk/scotland – The Guardian frequently reports on Scottish political issues, including Labour’s struggles and the impact of UK leadership on Scottish voters.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent political events and a poll conducted by Opinion Matters, suggesting it is relatively fresh. However, without specific dates for the poll or the conference, it’s difficult to pinpoint exact freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Fraser Paterson is included, but there is no clear indication of its original source or date beyond the current narrative. It may be an original quote or from a press release.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Belfast Telegraph, a reputable publication. However, the poll was conducted by Opinion Matters for Big Partnership, which may introduce some bias or variability in interpretation.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about political influence and voter sentiment in Scotland are plausible given the current political climate. The narrative aligns with common themes of voter disillusionment and leadership challenges.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be relatively fresh, discussing recent political dynamics in Scotland. While the source reliability is generally high due to the Belfast Telegraph’s reputation, the poll’s specifics could introduce some variability. The plausibility of the claims is strong, aligning with current political trends.
