A new poll has put the SNP on course to be the biggest party in Scotland again with a projection 50 seats.

The Ipso/Mori poll for STV puts the SNP ahead on 43% with Labour on the Tories both on 25%.

Mark Diffley, Director at Ipsos MORI Scotland said: Our poll for STV picks up some clear signals from voters. The SNP remains likely to win the most votes next week but is unlikely to repeat its unprecedented success of 2015.”

He also said the polls showed the Tories increasing their support and Labour showing signs of recovery.

The SNP said the poll showed the SNP was best placed to keep the Tories out.

Derek Mackay, campaign manager said: ““Labour can’t win the election in Scotland – and a vote for them just risks letting a Tory MP in the back door.”

The poll also tracked the approval of party leaders which showed a drop in popularity for Nicola Sturgeon.

It put the SNP leader on a net approval rating of -4 down 18 points, although her approval was still the highest on 46% satisfied to 50% dissatisfied.

Theresa May had the highest net disapproval of -27 with Ruth Davidson showing a decline of 26 points but still net approval of +5 with Kezia Dugdale improving by 8 points to a net of -2.

Patrick Harvie of the Greens had the highest approval at +18.

He is one of just three Green candidates in the Scotland at the General Election.

The Greens said: “This survey shows Patrick Harvie is the most popular politician in Scotland.”

James Kelly Labour’s campaign manager said: “Nicola Sturgeon has hit the panic button.

“Her campaign is in total disarray and has descended into utter chaos.

“Her manifesto has been torn to shreds by experts and with her personal popularity ratings in freefall, it’s clear the tide is turning against Nicola Sturgeon.”