Boris Johnson as prime minister could lead to independence

Boris Johnson - Image credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images

A majority of Scots would support independence if Boris Johnson becomes prime minister, a poll has found.

The Panelbase poll for the Sunday Times found support for independence at 49 per cent – up one per cent in a month – with opposition to independence at 51 per cent.

But if Boris Johnson were to become prime minister, support for independence rises to 53 per cent, with 47 per cent opposed to it.

The poll suggests that Johnson, who has a personal approval rating in Scotland of minus 37, is even less popular than Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage.

Farage has an approval rating of minus 24, the same as Johnson’s leadership rival Jeremy Hunt.

Commenting on the poll, SNP depute Leader Keith Brown said: “This is a stunning poll that shows independence is within touching distance. 

“Even without the nightmare scenario of Boris Johnson as prime minister a referendum would be too close to call – but if he wins, as expected, backing for independence is set to surge. 

“Under any leadership, the Tories support is slumping in Scotland – and after coming fourth in the European election the party is now set to lose seats at both Holyrood and Westminster.

“While we take nothing for granted, it’s no wonder voters are continuing to put their faith in the SNP – the only party with a way out of the Brexit mess and a vision for a better Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “The answer to Boris Johnson as prime minister is not the creation of a separate Scottish state.

“It is his early removal from office and the election of a progressive Labour government.

“It is clear that Boris Johnson and the Tory Party are the biggest threat to the UK.

“Almost two-thirds of Tory Party members would trade the break-up of our country in return for leaving the EU.

“If they carry on with their plans for a no deal Brexit they will put Scotland’s place in the UK under threat.

“Only Scottish Labour is committed to standing up for Scotland’s place in the UK and the UK’s place in Europe.”