Labour still ahead in the polls

Thursday, 14 April 2005 12:00 AM

Labour has extended its lead over the Conservatives to six points after the first week of election campaigning, according to a new poll.

The ICM poll for The Guardian found Labour on 39 per cent of the popular vote - up two points on a similar poll taken before Tony Blair announced the election last week.

The Conservatives were on 33 per cent - down one point - while the Liberal Democrats remain unchanged on 21 per cent.

The poll suggests the Conservatives' decision to flag up the Government's record on immigration and asylum would inadvertently encourage more Labour supporters to turn out and vote.

The number of Labour supporters who said they would definitely vote rose from 52 per cent to 59 per cent.

Conversely, the proportion of Conservatives who said they would definitely vote rose slightly from 64 to 65 per cent.

The Conservatives have given immigration a central showing in their election manifesto, claiming Labour has allowed the system to freewheel out of control, with Tony Blair pussyfooting around the issue.

"Immigration today is out of control and that is a matter of great concern for the future of good community relations in Britain," Michael Howard has said.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Sir Menzies Campbell called on the Tories to use less rhetoric on asylum and more "measured, controlled and rational language".

"My criticism of Mr Howard in particular is that some of the language which has been used is not helpful and that in particular in regard to asylum seekers his proposal would have us breach our legal and moral obligations and that is something I could not support," he said.

Of those interviewed, only eight per cent said asylum and immigration was the most important issue down from 12 per cent ten days ago.

Labour had a strong showing on the question of which party was the best to lead on tax and public services, up three points to eight.

It was also adjudged by respondents to be the best party to manage the economy and the NHS.

The Conservatives were still ahead on law and order.

ICM interviewed 1,524 adults for between April 10 and 12.

Meanwhile, Labour commanded a four-point lead over the Tories in a MORI poll for London's Evening Standard.

Labour won 39 per cent of the vote among the 58 per cent who said they intended to vote.

The Conservatives were on 35 per cent and the Liberal Democrats on 21 per cent.

politics.co.uk's election predictor shows that should these results reflect actual outcomes, Labour would have their Commons majority trimmed to 136.

MORI asked 1,973 adults between April 7 and 11.

Tags: