By James Hamilton
SNP leaders today claimed the results of recent by-elections gave them a "substantial" lead over Labour.
The party claimed that on the basis of council poll results since it came to power last May, they would win 51 seats if there was a Holyrood election, while Labour would have 36, the Liberal Democrats 21, Conservatives 16, Greens four and there would be one other.
The SNP currently has 47 MSPs, one more than Labour. The Tories have 17 MSPs, the LibDems 16 and the Greens two. There is one independent MSP.
SNP business convener Angus Robertson hailed the results of the study, which looked at a total of 21,266 votes cast in eight by-elections.
Robertson, the party's Westminster leader, said: "This analysis is fantastic news for the SNP. Real voters are rejecting Wendy Alexander and the Labour Party's continually negative message."
A poll last week put First Minister Alex Salmond massively ahead of Alexander in approval ratings at 53% against 22%.
