article_snippet.sent: The SNP have enjoyed a surge in popularity since September's referendum on independence, despite 55 per cent of people voting stay in the UK.
article_snippet.sent: Now, whether that's as part of a formal deal, or on an issue-by-issue basis it gives parties like the SNP enormous clout and enormous influence.'
article_snippet.sent: Support for the SNP has soared since the independence referendum in September, when 55 per cent of people voted against leaving the UK .
article_snippet.sent: Analyst Gregor Irwin says the SNP will have 'maximum leverage' soon after the election and will seek to 'pull the party to the left, away from the centre ground of English politics'. '
article_snippet.sent: Angus Robertson is currently the SNP leader in Westminster, while Alex Salmond – who is set to return to the Commons – had also been viewed as a potential powerbroker.
article_snippet.sent: I am the leader of the SNP and people voting SNP know that
article_snippet.sent: Ms Sturgeon added: 'As long as Westminster decisions affect Scotland it matters to SNP and SNP matters to Scotland that those decisions are good decisions, to we have a vested interest in making sure the politics at Westminster is better politics.'