Deputy First Minister calls for early Westminster election in wake of major poll

First Minister John Swinney (right) and Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth (left) arrive for First Minister's Questions at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood on October 8 (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

THE Deputy First Minister has called for an early Westminster election with the party set to hold the “balance of power”.

The party commissioned a poll ahead of its annual conference in Aberdeen showing 52% support for Scottish independence, as well as 34% backing for the party at a Westminster election – 14 points ahead of Labour.