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Despite voting intentions narrowing, the public’s opinion of the government in marginal seats has barely softened. 68% of respondents thought that Gordon Brown was the wrong man to lead the country (barely changed from 69% last year), 63% agreed that Labour had failed and it was time for a change (slightly down from 66%). Their biggest improvement was that 32% of people in marginal seats now think Brown has experience for hard times, compared to 27% last year.
The drop in the Conservative lead seems to be more to do with increased reticence about the Conservatives, perhaps because of the credit crunch, which really started to bite after our 2008 survey was complete
While the majority of respondents still thought that David Cameron had changed the Conservative party, the proportion of people who thought they would slash public services had sharply increased. This is perhaps somewhat made up for by the fact that other polls show increasing public appetite for cuts, however, our survey also suggests that the Conservatives are seen as being more of a risk than last year, and more people see them as only being for the rich.
Asked about the Liberal Democrats, the idea the Lib Dems would have a moderating effect upon an incoming Tory government has gained some traction. However, 50% still think they seem like nice people, but their policies wouldn’t work.
SKIP TO:
Introduction --- Prediction Summary --- The new political landscape --- Tactical Voting and the Personal Vote --- The Deciding Factors --- The Key Issues --- Sleaze --- Campaigning --- Changing Opinions --- Methodology --- View 2008 report
REGIONAL BREAKDOWNS:
Inner London --- Outer London --- London's Commuter Belt --- Seaside Towns --- Labour's Southern Bastions --- Urban West Midlands --- West Midlands hinterland --- East Midlands --- West Yorkshire --- North West --- North East England --- Cumbria --- Conservatives vs Lib Dems: South West --- Conservatives vs Lib Dems: Elsewhere --- Labour vs Lib Dems --- Welsh Marginals --- Scottish Marginals
