THE SNP could be nearing “complete collapse” as experts have warned a by-election loss to Labour could fuel a further exodus of MPs.
So far, seven Nats have confirmed they will quit at next year’s General Election – including their deputy Westminster leader Mhairi Black and the party’s ex-Commons chief Ian Blackford.
Professor James Mitchell, of Edinburgh University’s School of Social and Political Science, said: “It’s like watching pieces fall off a once-mighty building while those in charge seem powerless to do anything about it.
“And, most worrying of all for the SNP leadership, a near-complete collapse cannot now be ruled out.”
It comes as polls predict heavy losses for Humza Yousaf’s party – amid claims some could be abandoning ship rather than facing defeat.