Labour could scoop almost two dozen seats from SNP at next general election
Keir Starmer's Labour could scoop almost two dozen seats from the SNP in Scotland at the next general election, a new analysis has found.
The survey by YouGov finds "serious cause for concern" for Humza Yousaf's party north of the border, with the SNP facing a loss of 27 constituencies.
But it also suggests the SNP - led by Nicola Sturgeon until her resignation in March - could win the seat of Moray that is held by the Tories' leader in Scotland, Douglas Ross.
At the last general election in 2019 the SNP won 48 out of 59 seats while Labour has struggled to win back voters since its collapse in Scotland in 2015.
According to the MRP survey by YouGov, however, Labour could gain 23 seats at the next election - bringing their seat tally up to 24 - in their best performance since 2010.
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The survey in Scotland shows that Labour could take 23 seats off the SNP (YouGov)YouGov said its projections were "less rosy" for Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, who are both forecast to pick up four seats in Scotland at the next general election.
Labour's leader in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, said: "The only poll that matters is polling day - but it is clear that across Scotland people are sick of the Tory and SNP status quo.
"So let's boot the Tories out of Downing Street and change Scotland together".
Winning seats in Scotland will be crucial to Mr Starmer's chances of becoming the next Prime Minister and ending 13 years of the Conservatives in power.
YouGov said the findings "suggest that repeated recent bad news stories for the SNP and its new leader, Humza Yousaf, including accusations of party mismanagement and potential criminal cases being brought against senior officials, have taken a serious toll on both the party's popular support".
It comes as police continue to investigate the SNP's finances - pre-dating Mr Humza's leadership.
In April, Peter Murrell - the former party chief executive - was taken into custody and the home he shared with his wife Ms Sturgeon was searched in relation to the investigation. He was later released without charge pending further investigation.
Commenting on the research, Patrick English, associate director of political and social research at YouGov, said the results show "the SNP have some serious cause for concern".
He added: "But will provide strong encouragement to Labour as they look ahead to the next general election."
First Minister of Scotland and SNP leader Humza Yousaf (PA)"Making significant gains in Scotland could be crucial to Starmer's chances of heading into Number 10 with a parliamentary majority next year, and these figures suggest his party is now making strong progress north of the border.
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"That, plus the prospect of losing their own Scottish leader's seat, will no doubt worry the Conservatives."
But SNP MP David Linden said: "Voting SNP is the only way to get rid of unelected Tory governments in Scotland for good.
"The SNP is the only party in Scotland offering a real alternative to the Tories and pro- Brexit Labour Party, handing voters the opportunity to escape the mess of Brexit and rejoin the EU with the full powers of independence.
"A strong team of SNP MPs could hold the balance of power and we would use our influence to make sure Westminster takes real action to tackle the cost of living, protect our NHS, and ensure Scotland's democracy is respected."
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