A new poll suggests Labour is on course to lose half its 40 Scottish seats at Westminster in May.

The SNP could increase its seats from six to 35, according to an analysis of poll figures by The Sunday Times.

The Panelbase poll of 1,007 Scottish adults asked which way they would be likely to vote if there was a UK parliamentary election tomorrow.

The results, excluding don't knows, put the SNP on 41% and Labour on 31%, with the Conservatives on 14%, Ukip on 7% and the Liberal Democrats on 3%.

It represents a recovery for Labour north of the border, having slashed the SNP's lead from 17 points in the previous Panelbase poll in November to 10, and follows Jim Murphy's election to Scottish Labour leader in December.

The figures also suggest the Lib Dems could lose all but two of their 11 seats and the Conservatives could gain a second Scottish MP, according to the newspaper.

Ivor Knox of Panelbase said: "Today's SNP lead is somewhat lower than our last poll but is still in double digits, and the key seems to be Yes voters lining up behind the party."

The poll was conducted from January 9 to 14.

Meanwhile, a YouGov survey for the Scottish Sun on Sunday found 14% of English voters thought it would be a good thing for the SNP to hold the balance of power at Westminster in the event of a hung parliament after the election, compared to 46% of Scottish voters.

The poll also found 60% of voters in Scotland want to see First Minister Nicola Sturgeon included in pre-election television debates between the party leaders.

Stewart Hosie MP, deputy leader of the SNP, said: "Today's polls show support for the SNP continues to remain strong as the Westminster election approaches, with a 10% lead over Labour, and that there is clearly overwhelming support for the inclusion of the SNP in any televised debates in Scotland.

"These are remarkable findings in levels of support and trust for a party that has been in government for eight years but we are taking nothing for granted and will work hard for every vote.

"It is the latest sign that people across Scotland are putting their trust in the SNP to stand up for their interests, and oppose Westminster austerity."

Mr Hosie said the findings of the British Future poll on independence "highlights the continuing support for Scotland being able to make its own decisions".

A Scottish Labour Party spokesman said: "Scottish Labour have made a fresh start and Scots are willing to listen to us again.

"In the end, the general election is about choosing a government, and only two parties can do that. Scots who want to see the back of David Cameron should vote for Scottish Labour to make sure that Labour is the biggest party."