Public adopts wait-and-see policy on Howard

Public adopts wait-and-see policy on Howard

Public adopts wait-and-see policy on Howard

YouGov’s latest survey for The Daily Telegraph, undertaken after Iain Duncan Smith left the Tory helm, finds the public less than enthralled at the prospect of Michael Howard’s ascendancy.

The Conservatives had gained two points month on month but Labour had surged by five, YouGov found. Consequently, Labour had regained the number one spot and now leads the Tories by two points.

The losers are the Liberal Democrats who failed to build on the euphoria after the Brent East byelection victory and an upbeat annual party conference.

YouGov questioned voters whether Mr Duncan Smith’ exit and Mr Howard’s promotion would make them “more or less inclined to vote Conservative at the next general election.”

Only 16 per cent of respondents said Mr Howard’s willingness to fight for the coveted crown would make them more inclined to vote Tory.

Seventeen per cent said it made them less inclined.

Sixty three per cent said it would not make much difference.