Support for the SNP is plunging among its former powerbase of young and aspirational voters, according to new polling analysis.
Backing for the nationalists from 25 to 49-year-olds has fallen by 14 points since May and by 11 points with middle-class voters as taxes rise in Scotland and public services struggle.
The findings reflect those from canvassers from all political parties, who now believe that “Scotland’s suburban strivers” are the key battleground in the general election.
They also come as internal analysis commissioned by the SNP’s Westminster leadership suggested that the nationalists have to change tack to avoid devastating losses.
The research, carried out by Kate Dommett, professor of digital politics at Sheffield University, found that independence was not regarded as a priority amongst SNP