Almost a third of Scots are “disappointed” with the results of last month’s Holyrood election – with a poll also showing more than a quarter of people are “frustrated” with the outcome.
Pollsters at Ipsos Scotland said that the “so-called loveless election” had left 32% disappointed, 27% frustrated, with 17% saying they were “indifferent”.
Less than a quarter (24%) were “hopeful” at the result – which saw the SNP win power for the fifth consecutive time at Holyrood – while 12% said they were “happy”.
The SNP Government will need to demonstrate real impact over its fifth parliamentary term to counter this public disillusionment
The pollster questioned 1,028 people across Scotland between May 22 and 29 – with more than half of them (54%) saying it is “unlikely” the new Scottish Government will improve the NHS or education over the next five years.
And although the cost of living was a key issue in the election campaign, three out of five (61%) said it was unlikely the Government would improve their own living standards.
John Swinney was the only one of the party leaders to record a positive rating with the public – though only just on plus 2.
While 39% of those polled viewed the SNP leader and Scottish First Minister favourably, 37% viewed him unfavourably.
Reform UK’s Scottish leader, Lord Malcolm Offord, had the lowest ranking of all the leaders, with a rating of minus 48 with 14% regarding him favourably, and 62% regarding him unfavourably.
Looking at UK party leaders, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s rating fell from minus 35 in April to minus 40, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s rating improving from minus 38 to minus 32 over that period. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage remained the most unpopular leader with Scots, with a rating of minus 49, down from minus 46 in April.
The survey also found almost half (48%) of Scots want to see a second independence referendum held in the five years of this Holyrood term – with a further 19% backing another referendum held at a later date.
However, more than a fifth (22%) of people said there should never be another independence vote.
SNP depute leader Keith Brown MSP said: “This poll makes one thing absolutely clear, the SNP is delivering for the people of Scotland and the people of Scotland overwhelmingly endorse the trusted leadership that John Swinney brings.
“SNP favourability has surged while John Swinney’s personal ratings remain far higher than any other party leader – that’s a reflection on John Swinney’s strong leadership that is firmly focused on delivering for the people of Scotland and offering people hope through a fresh start with independence.”
Speaking about the poll, Ipsos Scotland research director, Rachel Ormston, said: “The so-called loveless election in May has left many in Scotland feeling negative or indifferent.
“The SNP Government will need to demonstrate real impact over its fifth parliamentary term to counter this public disillusionment.”
She added that although Holyrood had endorsed the First Minister’s call for Westminster to grant a Section 30 order, transferring powers to Scotland to allow a referendum to take place, the public “remains divided on when another referendum should take place”.
Ms Ormston said: “Just under half would favour a referendum within this five-year parliamentary term, but others would prefer a date further in the future, or are unsure when, if ever, it should be held.”