Expenses scandal prompts election demand
Friday, 15 May 2009 12:00 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
An overwhelming majority of people are in favour of holding a general election as early as possible, a poll revealed today.
Asked if the prime minister should call an election at the earliest possible opportunity, 65 per cent of people agreed while 33 per cent did not, the BBC poll found.
There was general consensus that MPs should be 'named and shamed in the newspapers' over their expense claims and forced to resign from their posts with 64 per cent of people agreeing while 34 per cent opposed the idea.
Two thirds of people agreed that the Tory, Labour and Lib Dem leaders should sack the ministers in their respective parties who have been accused of claiming excessive amounts of money.
People were also asked whether the revelations about MPs' expenses would encourage them to vote in the forthcoming European elections on 4th June.
The results showed that 25 per cent would now be more likely to vote in the European elections in light of the unfolding scandal, against 28 per cent who said they were less likely.
Only 47 per cent were unmoved by the scandal, suggesting it has had a significant impact on the public.
Social class also revealed disparities of opinions with a generally greater number of people from the lower class (DE) wishing to see ministers sacked.
The poll, broadcast on Friday lunchtime, was conducted on the of May 13th and 14th and surveyed over a thousand people in the UK.
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