According to Dr Thomas Lundberg (above middle) of Glasgow University, reported in the Press and Journal, rising
support for the SNP could mean it would win Labour seats in the Westminster
election. He thinks many of the SNP’s new followers are disillusioned Labour
supporters, unhappy with the joint platform with the Conservatives during the referendum
campaign.
Dr Lundberg said that many of the new members are disillusioned with Labour and pointed out the numbers of people who have been filmed online burning
their Labour membership cards.
“There has been a shift to the left for the SNP which means
really big problems for Labour and campaigning so much with the Conservatives
isn't going to do them any favours” he said.
The politics lecturer said the intervention of Gordon Brown at the end of the campaign might have helped the party a bit, but there would be what he described as a “reaction” if Holyrood did not receive significant new powers.
Dr Lundberg warned that there could be problem for Nicola Sturgeon, when she takes over as leader, because many of the party’s new members want
another referendum right away.
He pointed out that the party would have to manage expectations, but if
they could get significantly more devolution
and could show that that might well lead to independence then that could satisfy the majority.
He also said that although the SNP have their problems, the kind of
problems they have are the kind other parties would kill for.
Membership has soared by 52,000 to 77,000 in the last two
weeks and local meetings have been packed and overflowing.
