Tory lead cut to six per cent
The Tory lead continues to shrink today, with a Populus poll putting the Tories just six points ahead of Labour.
The poll, conducted for the Times, confirms the results of last weeks’ Glenrothes by-election, in which Labour managed to actually increase its share of the vote.
It put Labour on 35 per cent, up five points since October.
The Conservatives dropped four points to 41 per cent, while the Liberal Democrats went up one point to 16 per cent.
More than half the public think Gordon Brown is the right man to deal with the recession against a third for David Cameron.
Mr Brown’s personal rating is the highest it has been since he came to power, but there are continued signs the public thinks Mr Cameron would make a better leader after the recession.
The prime minister has enjoyed surprisingly warm poll ratings since the banking crisis hit, projecting an image of calm workmanlike action in the face of financial chaos.
The Conservatives have struggled to find a narrative for current events, with the public debate lying outside of the political space they are comfortable inhabiting.
This morning, Mr Cameron presented his plans for tax cuts to guide the country through the recession. Nick Clegg, Lib Dem leader, is due to present his plans later today.
