Howard fails to cut into Labour’s lead
The selection of Michael Howard as leader of the Conservative Party has failed to impress voters, according to a new poll.
Though Mr Howard had a better approval rating than predecessor Iain Duncan Smith, his election to the Tory helm has failed to eat into the Government’s popularity, according to Mori.
Mori found the Tories unchanged on 35 per cent, despite Labour slipping two points in the days after the former home secretary’s unopposed election in November. The Liberal Democrats have gained one per cent (22 per cent) since then.
All things being equal, Mori said Labour, which has 36 per cent of the vote, would secure an historic third term of office at the next general election, with a 50-seat majority in the House of Commons.
Mori found Tony Blair’s approval rating had increased four points to minus 25 over the last month.
And those satisfied with his performance as Prime Minister increased one per cent to 32 per cent. Those disapproving dropped three per cent to 57 per cent.
Half of Tory supporters – 52 percent – said they were satisfied with Mr Howard’s performance, against 8 per cent dissatisfied; 40 per cent said they did not know.
Mori surveyed a sample of 1,945 adults.
