Brown ‘less popular than Blair and Thatcher’
Voters would prefer Margaret Thatcher returned as prime minister than Gordon Brown continues at Number 10, according to a survey of post-war prime ministers.
An opinion poll suggests the current prime minister is less popular than both Lady Thatcher and Tony Blair, two former prime ministers not remembered for their universal appeal.
YouGov asked voters to remember politicians “at the peak of their power” as the best post-war prime minister.
Mr Brown emerged as less popular than the former Downing Street heavyweights, but also trailed behind Labour firebrand Tony Benn.
Lady Thatcher emerged as the most popular prime minister, with 27 per cent support, followed by Tony Blair on 20 per cent.
But Mr Brown received just five per cent of the vote, commissioned for the Daily Telegraph, finishing behind former Labour MP Mr Benn on 13 per cent.
Mr Brown and Mr Blair’s relationship continues to be defined by rivalry even after the latter’s departure, with 42 per cent of Labour supporters naming Mr Blair as the best post-war prime minister and ten per cent opting for the current office holder.
The lack of enthusiasm for Mr Brown comes as Labour continues to trail behind the Conservatives in the polls.
An ICM poll for the Sunday Telegraph places support for the Tories at 43 per cent, up six per cent since the start of the year.
Labour remains unchanged on 32 per cent while Liberal Democrat support has fallen three points to 18 per cent.
As the government continues to flounder, Mr Brown said he was proud but not satisfied with Labour’s record in office.
Speaking ahead of Labour’s first party election broadcast for the local elections, Mr Brown said: “I’m proud of Labour’s achievements over the last 11 years, but not satisfied. We need to hear the people’s priorities so I can know where we must pick up the pace of change.”
In a bid to reconnect with voters, the prime minister will tonight take part in a live webchat on the Labour party’s website. People can put their questions to the prime minister by texting ‘Gordon’ to 60022.
