FIRST MINISTER Alex Salmond is four times more popular than Labour leader Wendy Alexander—but Labour is ahead of the SNP, according to a new poll out last night, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

The survey for STV’s Politics Show was carried out amongst 1000 Scottish adults this week.

It shows Labour ahead on both votes for the Scottish Parliament with a clear lead in the constituencies and on the list vote.

In the constituencies, Labour has a one point lead over the SNP, with a 37% share and a four point lead, with 38% in the top-up lists.

If there was an election today it would give Labour 53 seats—seven more than they won in May—while the SNP would stick at their current 47.

The number of Tory MSPs would drop by one to 16, while the Liberal Democrats, who have 16 seats, would have 12.

Labour’s increased support comes in spite of soaring public approval for Alex Salmond’s performance as First Minister.

Asked to rate the party leaders, Alex Salmond came out on top with a massive 65% support.

He is four times more popular than Ms Alexander who trailed in with 17% support, just ahead of Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie on 11% and Nicol Stephen of the Lib Dems with 6%.

Labour’s business manager Jackie Baillie said last night, “This could be a sign that the consequences of the SNP’s broken promises and failure are coming home to roost.

“The SNP’s warm words in opposition have become hollow words in government.

“Broken promises on police numbers, broken promises on student funding and the vulnerable left in limbo, the SNP are letting down communities across Scotland.”

But the SNP’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson MP rubbished the poll.

“This same polling organisation put the SNP behind during the election campaign—virtually the only one to do so—and of course we need only look across to America this week to see that individual polls do not always get it right,” he said.

“The leadership figures show that Alex Salmond is twice as popular as all the other leaders added together!

“That is a formidable finding, and is in line with other polling figures on the popularity of the First Minister and indeed the Scottish Government.

“The Labour figure is substantially out of line with other polling evidence.”

A Scottish Conservative spokesman, said, “Our position shows progress despite the squeeze being applied by the two biggest parties.

“The Lib Dem decline continues and this will be especially disappointing for them on the day that (new Federal leader) Nick Clegg is in town.”