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More poll joy for Labour

More poll joy for Labour

Labour would double its lead over the Conservatives if Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown were premier, according to a new opinion poll.

The CommunicateResearch poll for The Independent on Sunday put Labour on 41 per cent, seven points ahead of the Tories on 34 per cent, with the Liberal Democrats struggling on 17 per cent.

But on the question of whether voters would back Labour if Mr Brown were to assume the Labour leadership, support rocketed to 46 per cent, 15 percentage points ahead of the Tories on 31 per cent, with the Liberal Democrats trailing on 14 per cent.

Voters were also asked: “If Labour wins the election, Gordon Brown should stay on as Chancellor rather than move to another job?”

Over half (54 per cent) agreed; 23 per cent disagreed.

CommunicateResearch asked a random sample of 1,000 adults by telephone between February 23rd and 24th.

Earlier last week, Mori and ICM polls showed the Tories moving to within two to three points of Labour respectively.

A YouGov poll on Friday put Labour ahead by six points.

Labour is heavily-backed to win an historic third term of power.

Tony Blair has pledged to serve that term but not the next.