More good news in poll which showed Yes support soar to 55%

The Ipsos MORI poll which yesterday showed support for Yes increase to 55% contained other good news for independence supporters.

There was, for instance, a detailed breakdown of how strong support for Yes was in a range of different age groups. Every group except the oldest – over 55 – showed a majority likely to vote for independence.

Support was strongest in the youngest age groups. Among those aged between 16 and 24 and those aged 25-34, 71% agreed that Scotland should be an independent country, while only 29% did not. Support for Yes in the 35-44 age range was at 63%, with 37% against independence.

In the 45-54 age range 58% supported independence and 42% did not. Independence support slipped to 49% in the 55-64 age range and to 34% among those aged 65 and over.

The poll also destroyed the Unionist argument that the Scottish people do not care about independence. It was ranked as the second most important issue facing Scotland after health issues and the NHS.

Independence supporting parties showed an increase in voter support in both constituency seats and in the regional lists. The SNP registered 52% support in constituencies (up 2 compared with Ipsos Mori’s last poll of 30 April – 3 May)  and 43% in the regional list vote – up 4.

The Scottish Green party registered 3% support in constituencies – up 1 compared to the last poll– and 12% in the regional list (no change)

All the Unionist parties saw their support fall. The Conservatives to 19% in constituencies (down 1) and to 20% in the regional list (down 3); Scottish Labour to 17% in the constituencies (down 5) and to 15% in the regional list (down 3);  the Scottish Liberal Democrats to 5% (down 1) in the constituencies and to 6% in the regional list (down 2). The independence-supporting Alba Party, which has only stood candidates in the regional list, saw its support slip by 1 to 1%.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is Scotland’s least favourite party leader,  with 4 in 5 Scots (80%) saying they are dissatisfied with the way he is doing his job.

Nicola Sturgeon remains the highest rated party leader, with almost three in five respondents (58%) saying they are satisfied with the job she's doing.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is Scotland’s least favourite party leader,  with 4 in 5 Scots (80%) saying they are dissatisfied with the way he is doing his job. This is the worst result ever recorded by Ipsos MORI – Johnson’s previous lowest rating was in October 2020, when 76% were dissatisfied with his performance. Almost 3 in 5 (58%) of those who voted Conservative at the 2019 general election say they are dissatisfied.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross is the least popular of the Scottish party leaders. Just over  half (51%) of Scots say are dissatisfied with his performance as Conservative leader. Only 24% are satisfied, while 25% don’t know enough to rate him.

The 55% support for Yes registered in the poll is five percentage points higher than support in the Ipsos MORI poll in early May and is the highest figure for Yes in a year.

The poll was carried out in November, during Believe in Scotland's  ongoing Autumn for Independence Action. Events have so far included a successful Day of Action and the production - in partnership with the SNP and The National newspaper - of an 8-page independence newspaper putting the case for wellbeing through independence, which was delivered to a million homes across Scotland.