In the shifting terrain of Scottish politics, a remarkable inversion has emerged: an American president sitting thousands of miles away commands greater approval among Scottish voters than the man governing from Downing Street. The Scottish Political Pulse Survey lays bare not merely Labour's collapse north of the border, but a broader crisis of legitimacy in which no party fully satisfies a public that is dissatisfied yet undecided about where to turn. As the SNP holds its ground despite widespread criticism and Reform edges into view, Scotland finds itself at a crossroads familiar to many de
The Morning Star
· Sep 25, 2025
· governance
· 2 min read
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Trump more popular than Starmer in Scotland as Labour slumps in new polling
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Politics & Governance
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Bias & Framing
⚖
Article uses sensational comparison (Trump vs Starmer popularity) to frame Labour decline, with selective polling emphasis favoring SNP narrative despite acknowledged public dissatisfaction.
Bias Direction
left
Confidence
HIGH
Sensationalism through unexpected comparison (Trump popularity) as headline hook; selective emphasis on SNP's polling strength while downplaying widespread public dissatisfaction; framing Reform as threat rather than legitimate political force.
nose dive
Labour's fortunes have waned
failing SNP government
spectre of Reform
Farage and his ilk
would have no hesitation
Reform UK's substantive policy positions or defense
Scottish Labour's response to polling collapse
Broader context of why Trump approval rivals Starmer's
Voter motivations for Reform support beyond vague warnings
Scottish public services reform proposals from any party
Geopolitical Impact
🌎
Scottish polling shows political fragmentation with Trump more popular than Starmer, Labour collapsing, Reform rising, and SNP retaining dominance despite dissatisfaction—signaling UK internal divisions and potential far-right gains.
Escalation Risk
moderate
Confidence
HIGH
Scotland
United Kingdom
United States (indirect)
UK Labour government weakening domestically; SNP maintains Scottish control despite unpopularity; Reform UK gaining traction in traditionally Labour areas; US political figures gaining influence in UK discourse; potential realignment away from traditional center-left politics toward populist alternatives.
Similar to 1970s-80s UK political fragmentation when regional parties (SNP, Plaid Cymru) and protest movements challenged Westminster consensus, preceding major constitutional shifts and devolution.
Economic Lens
📈
Scottish political polling shows declining Labour support and rising Reform popularity, with implications for UK political stability and potential policy shifts affecting public services and economic governance.
Market Signal
bearish
Confidence
MED
Public Services (NHS, Education)
Financial Services (Scotland-based)
Energy (Scottish renewables)
Tourism
Manufacturing
Households face uncertainty regarding public service quality and funding. Rising anti-establishment sentiment (Reform gains) may signal consumer dissatisfaction with economic conditions, inflation impacts, and cost-of-living pressures. Political fragmentation could delay policy implementation affecting household finances.
Political instability in Scotland ahead of 2025 Holyrood elections may lead to: (1) delayed economic policy decisions; (2) potential divergence between Scottish and UK-wide fiscal policies; (3) increased focus on public service reform to address NHS/education concerns; (4) possible pressure for devolved economic powers; (5) uncertainty for business investment planning.