In an immediate Holyrood election, 38% of Scots would vote for SNP while 29% would back Labour.

SWNS

The SNP has increased its lead over Labour in voting intention for the Scottish Parliament elections in the latest poll for STV News.

Among those certain to vote in an immediate Holyrood election, 38% would vote for the SNP, up two points on the previous STV poll in December, while 29% would vote for Labour, down five points since December.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both increased their share by two points since December and are now on 17% and 9% respectively.

Satisfaction with all party leaders measured in the poll has fallen since December.

Alex Salmond’s net satisfaction rating, which is the proportion who are satisfied minus the proportion who are dissatisfied, is now minus two, down nine points since December, while Labour Leader Johann Lamont’s rating is now six, down three points since September.

Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson is on minus two, down four points, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie is on -12, down seven points. Scottish Green Party leader Patrick Harvie remains popular on nine point, down four since December — though half of respondents felt unable to rate him.

As with STV's December 2013 poll, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has the highest satisfaction ratings of all politicians measured. Almost half of voters (48%) are satisfied with the job she is doing, compared to 39% who are dissatisfied, a net score of nine points.

In comparison, the leader of the Better Together campaign, Alastair Darling, has a net rating of minus four, with 38% satisfied and 42% dissatisfied with the job he is doing.

Mark Diffley, Director at Ipsos MORI Scotland said: "This poll is good news for the SNP as it increases its lead over Labour in voting intention to the Scottish Parliament.

"After nearly seven years in government the party would be well placed to win if an election were being held now. It appears that the party remains popular with voters despite the Yes campaign currently trailing in terms of voting intention for the referendum."

SNP business convener Derek Mackay MSP welcomed the poll, saying: "This is an excellent poll for the SNP — showing that we have boosted our lead over Labour by seven points since December to 9% now.

"After nearly seven years in office, SNP support remains well ahead of Labour. And at 45% for Alex Salmond and 48% for Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister have the best ratings among all the leaders in terms of those who are satisfied with the job they do."

The poll results are based on a survey of 1001 respondents adults aged over 16 and was conducted by telephone between February 20 and 25.