SNP slam cash spent on secret General Election polling

The UK Government has been accused of “desperation” after they hired a company to conduct more secret polling in the run-up to the General Election.

The Cabinet Office was criticised for spending more than half a million pounds on polls ahead of the independence referendum but refusing to make the results public.

Now it’s emerged they have signed a contract to conduct MORE surveys in Scotland in the months leading up to the May 7 vote.

Critics claim it’s evidence that Westminster is out of touch and have called on the Government to tear up the contract.

SNP Deputy Leader Stewart Hosie said: “The Tories are so out of touch with Scotland that their struggle to get to grips with the political landscape has reached a new level of desperation as it emerges that taxpayers’ money is being used for polling. This is simply not on.”

“If the Tories want to spend money on polling to inform their General Election campaign they should pay for it themselves using their ample funds from their millionaire donors.”

The Cabinet Office, led by Tory Francis Maude, is responsible for efficiency and overseeing the smooth running of Government business.

A spokesman said the UK Government is “firmly committed” to Scotland’s on-going place in the United Kingdom.

He said: “Research is an essential part of Government and discovering people’s attitudes can be used to improve public services and influence policy.”