Liberal Democrat peer Malcolm Bruce has suggested support for the SNP is waning in the north-east where even nationalists are warning now would be a “crazy moment” for another independence referendum.
The former Gordon MP, now Lord Bruce of Bennachie, has been knocking on doors in Aberdeenshire while helping to campaign in the local elections.
He told the Press and Journal he could not quantify it, but had noticed a “strong push back” against the SNP.
“We are getting people saying ‘I have not made up my mind but I definitely will not be voting for the SNP’,” he added.
“Some didn’t vote for the SNP in the first place but they are very much more motivated to push back against them.
“And people who say they voted yes to independence, are saying ‘it was worth a try but now with the oil price and Brexit this would be a crazy moment’.
“Some don’t think it’s a good idea full stop. Others – even if they still believe in it – are saying ‘not now’.”
He refused to make any predictions about possible seat gains in the forthcoming general election, but added: “I think the SNP will go down in the north-east.”
An SNP spokeswoman hit back, insisting the Liberal Democrats had “clearly learnt absolutely nothing from their toxic partnership” with the Tories from 2010 to 2015.
She added: “They’ve failed to rule out doing the same this time round – something people in the north-east are unlikely to forget.
“Only a vote for the SNP is a vote against Tory austerity, more cuts and disgraceful policies like the rape clause.”
As well as comments about a second independence vote, Lord Bruce said voters had also raised concerns about Brexit.
He added: “I have had people on the doorstep saying ‘I’m not comfortable with what Theresa May is trying to do’.
“My view is in a seat say like Gordon or the Highland seats or Edinburgh West, North East Fife or East Dunbartonshire, I think it will be easier to persuade people to vote Liberal Democrat than Conservative.
“I’m not making any wild predictions, and we do have to pick up more from the base we are at the moment, by that’s what election campaigns are about.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said they were “the only party interested in keeping Scotland a key part of a successful UK.”
