A recent survey conducted by Opinion Matters for the communications firm Big Partnership suggests that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer holds more sway over Scottish voters than Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. The survey, which interviewed 1,000 individuals between February 14 and 18, just ahead of the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow, aimed to gauge the impact of both leaders on voters’ decisions leading up to next year’s Holyrood election.
According to the poll results, 29.5% of respondents indicated that the Prime Minister would have a more significant influence on their voting decision, with 12.4% stating that his influence would be “significantly more” than that of the Scottish Labour leader. In contrast, only 12.6% of participants believed that Mr. Sarwar would sway their decision, while 27.3% felt that both leaders held equal influence over their Holyrood vote.
The dynamics between Labour leaders in Scotland and their counterparts in Westminster have long been a topic of scrutiny, with both parties facing challenges due to the actions and decisions made by their colleagues across the border. Anas Sarwar’s party has experienced a decline in poll numbers since reaching a peak last summer, grappling with unpopular choices and facing inquiries regarding Sir Keir’s leadership. Similarly, the Scottish Tories have faced obstacles as a result of actions taken by their party members in government.
Fraser Paterson, head of public affairs at Big Partnership and a former advisor to a Labour MSP, highlighted the implications of the survey results, emphasizing the need for Labour leaders to establish distinct electoral identities while navigating the influence of their colleagues in Westminster. Paterson noted the longstanding tensions between Holyrood and Westminster for both Labour and the Conservatives, underscoring the importance of a unified approach for leaders like Starmer and Sarwar.
Paterson remarked, “The real test for Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar is whether they can forge a more unified approach. For organizations seeking to shape the public agenda, understanding the differences between the two regions and capitalizing on the opportunities that arise is crucial. Effective engagement on both sides of the border has never been more critical.”
In conclusion, the survey results shed light on the complex dynamics at play within the Scottish Labour party and the impact of leaders from Westminster on Scottish voters’ decisions. As the Holyrood election approaches, the challenge for leaders like Sir Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar lies in striking a balance between their respective influences and crafting a cohesive strategy that resonates with voters on both sides of the border.
