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(Angus Reid - CPOD Global Scan) - Many adults in Britain would welcome a prime minister from Scotland, according to a poll by YouGov. Only 26 per cent of respondents believe that the British head of government should not be a Scot, since Scotland has its own parliament.

In a 1997 referendum, voters in Scotland supported the creation of a legislative assembly with tax varying powers. The Scottish Parliament held its first session in 1999.

Britain must renew the House of Commons by June 2006. There is growing speculation that an election will take place in May 2005. Last October, prime minister Tony Blair announced that he intends to lead the Labour party into the next parliamentary ballot, and retire at the end of what would be his third term in office.

Current chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown—who was born in Scotland—has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Tony Blair. 78 per cent of respondents say Brown's birthplace is irrelevant.

Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "Scotland has its own parliament so the prime minister of the United Kingdom should not normally be a Scot."

Does the fact that Gordon Brown is Scottish make you more or less keen on him becoming prime minister, or does it make no difference?

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