Prime Minister Andy Burnham is the most popular politician in Scotland, a poll suggests.
A survey by the Diffley Partnership, using the online panel of polling firm Survation, spoke to 2,036 people between August 13 and 24.
Burnham tops favourability rankings
In net favourability ratings, Mr Burnham came out on top, with a net rating of plus 6%, the only leader with a positive rating.
First Minister John Swinney was second on minus 6%, followed by Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay and Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, both on minus 8%.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay came in at minus 9% – though just 31% of respondents gave any rating – with her colleague Ross Greer on minus 16%.
UK Tory leader Kemi Badenoch recorded a minus 13% net rating, while Reform UK’s leader in Scotland, Malcolm Offord, came in at minus 17 and his UK-wide boss Nigel Farage recorded a minus 31% net rating.
Labour still trailing SNP in Scotland
But despite Mr Burnham taking over in Downing Street, he has been unable to improve Labour’s electoral fortunes north of the border, according to the poll.
Compared to an April poll by Survation, the party remained on 19%, with the SNP moving from 31% to 34%.
Reform shed three points, dropping from 21% to 18%.
Mark Diffley, the founder and director of Diffley Partnerships, said: “Andy Burnham has made a good early impression on Scottish voters.
“He is the only political leader tested in this survey to record a positive favourability rating and is viewed as the best option for Prime Minister by a clear plurality of voters.
“However, the polling also suggests that Burnham’s personal popularity has not yet translated into additional support for Scottish Labour.
“While Labour has seen some encouraging signs elsewhere in Britain, the party’s position in Scotland appears largely unchanged, with the SNP continuing to hold a substantial lead.”
He added: “While Andy Burnham appears to have succeeded in improving Labour’s image, there is little evidence so far of a corresponding Burnham bounce in Scotland.
“Turning personal popularity into votes, and rebuilding Labour’s competitiveness in Scottish politics, remains a significant challenge.”
Reaction from party figures
Scottish Labour acting leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: “Andy Burnham has hit the ground running and is already working to deliver for people in Scotland and across the UK.
“Scottish Labour will continue to hold the SNP government to account, stand firm against the divisive politics of Reform and work to earn the trust of the people of Scotland.”
SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said: “For all the talk of a Burnham bounce, the only thing that has bounced up is SNP polling.
“SNP voting intentions are up three points, miles in front of the Westminster parties, as the Scottish people demonstrate their support for the only party that will put Scotland’s interests first.
“Broken, Brexit Britain is in terminal decline and Andy Burnham just allowed energy bills in energy-rich Scotland to soar to nearly £600 higher than the Labour Party promised.
“Through a fresh start with independence we will use our energy resources to build a wealthier Scotland anew and it is that broader vision that sees support for the SNP increase no matter who is behind the wheel of Westminster.”
Rachael Hamilton, the deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, said the Prime Minister was “polling well personally”, but people in Scotland “clearly aren’t buying what Labour is selling”.
“Just like his predecessor, he is ducking the tough decisions on Scotland’s oil and gas industry, putting thousands of skilled jobs and billions in investment at risk by refusing to back new drilling at Jackdaw and Rosebank,” she added.
“He has no convincing plan to cut taxes, grow the economy or give Scottish businesses the certainty they need – just more Labour tax-and-spend.”
Reform UK MSP Mark Simpson said: “Following in the heavy footsteps of Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar, Lewis Capaldi or Gerald Butler could become Labour leader and Scots still wouldn’t be motivated to get behind them.
“Andy Burnham might be a popular guy, but the ‘Burnham bounce’ he’s experienced in England is more of a ‘Burnham blanked’ in Scotland.
“Who can blame them? Number 10 North completely ignores the entire country north of his pet project and the new Prime Minister couldn’t even find the time to squeeze Scotland into his listening tour.”