THE likelihood of Labour being in power after the election has fallen, according to the latest analysis which suggests the party's predicted share of seats has dropped for the third week in a row.

With less than a week now to go before polling day, the latest Populus/Hanover Predictor has Labour down seven seats from last week to 265, with Conservatives up eight on 279 and the SNP up two to 55.

A separate poll published yesterday reveals that the SNP is considered to have run the most compelling general election campaign.

The Ipsos MORI poll shows that 25 per cent of respondents felt that the SNP was conducting the most effective campaign - compared to 17 per cent for the Tories and 15 per cent for Labour.

The poll - with a sample of more than 1,000 people across the UK - also found SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon had made the biggest inroads with the British public. Thirty-eight per cent say they now see her more favourably than before the election campaign while one in four (26 per cent) sees her more unfavourably. She was followd by Ed Miliband, with 35 per cent viewing him more favourably.

SNP business convener Derek Mackay said: "This is a very welcome poll, confirming that the SNP's positive, progressive, anti-cuts message is continuing to resonate - not just in Scotland but across the whole of the UK.

"While the SNP is focussed on putting forward a positive agenda, both Labour and the Tories have resorted to desperate fear tactics which people in Scotland have long since tired of - and are paying the price as their poll ratings remain in the doldrums.

"And Nicola Sturgeon's ratings are improving even further as the campaign goes on - building on her impressive TV debate performances and leaving the Westminster party leaders in the shade."