ALEX SALMOND has recorded an unprecedented 75% lead in approval ratings over Labour rival Wendy Alexander, according to a poll seen by the Sunday Herald.

The First Minister has been given a plus-53% rating by voters, against minus-22% for the beleaguered Labour leader.

The Nationalists are also ahead on voting preferences for Holyrood.

The poll, conducted by MRUK earlier this month, has found that the SNP would increase their majority if a Scottish election were held tomorrow.

According to the results, which have been passed to the Sunday Herald, the SNP are currently polling 39% on the constituency ballot, up 7% from last May, and at 40% of the regional list vote, up nine percentage points.

Labour are on 31% of the constituency vote, down 1% from last year, and up 1% on the regional ballot. However, it is Alexander's personal approval ratings that will worry Scottish Labour as it prepares for its conference in Aviemore later this month. The MRUK results confirm her dreadful start as party leader has been noticed by voters.

She goes to Aviemore having to win over her many critics inside and outside the party.