Tony Miklinski told Express.co.uk that Nicola Sturgeon’s popularity in Scotland underpins a significant section of support for the SNP. The Scottish Tory added that it would be a major blow to the SNP if the party had to name a new leader.
Mr Miklinski said: “I think Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP underpins a very significant section of support for the SNP.
“She is viewed as a messianic type figure, she is almost above being a politician.
“Those who support, it is akin to worship.
“If she goes a very significant below is dealt to the SNP and they will no longer win in Holyrood.
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“I am absolutely certain of that, so they will do everything they can to keep her.”
During the same interview, Mr Miklinski stated that an SNP attempt at holding an “illegal referendum” will make the party “look stupid”.
He stated that the UK Government will not give Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP permission to hold another referendum so soon after the 2014 public vote.
The Scottish Tory added that if an illegal referendum is called without the permission of the Conservative Government then the SNP will be left “talking to themselves” as those opposed to Scottish independence would not participate in the vote.
“Now it is going to be an illegal referendum, the unionist vote will not turn up quite rightly.
“They will be left talking to themselves.
“Whether they think that takes them any closer to independence in the short to medium term I have no idea.
“I think it will make them look stupid.”
