Alba Party backed by only three per cent reveals poll

THE ALBA Party looks set to take just three per cent of the regional vote, a new poll suggests, as respondents say leader Alex Salmond hinders the cause of Scottish independence.

A new study by Survation – the first since the launch of the Alba Party last week – for newspaper publisher DC Thomson has the newly-formed party struggling to make up ground on the other established parties, although its launch was just one week ago.

The SNP retains its runaway lead in the poll, which spoke to more than 1,000 people, with 49 per cent in constituencies and 38 per cent on the regional list.

The Scottish Tories appear locked in a tight battle with Labour for second place, with Douglas Ross’ party on 21 per cent and 18 per cent, compared to 20 per cent and 19 per cent for Labour.

The Lib Dems are at nine per cent in constituency votes and eight per cent in the regions, while the Scottish Greens sit on 11 per cent regionally.

The poll also found that 52 per cent of respondents believe Mr Salmond actually hinders the cause of independence.

Uncertainty on the independence question also continued in the Survation poll, which when undecided voters were removed put support at 50 per cent for yes and 50 per cent for no.

Support for separation enjoyed a solid lead throughout the latter part of 2020, peaking at 58 per cent in October.

But figures began to slump in the early part of this year.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 members have joined the Alba Party in the week since its launch, the party has said.

Founder Laurie Flynn said the milestone was surpassed yesterday afternoon, with membership numbers now at 4,100.

He said: “Little did I think when I founded the party the impact that it would have. After exactly one week since our public launch, our membership has surged past that of the Liberal Democrats, a party which has been in existence for 150 years.”