Conservatives reel in Labour’s lead
The Conservatives have made fresh inroads into Labour’s lead, according to a new poll.
The NOP poll for The Independent puts Michael Howard’s party on 34 per cent, up four percentage points.
The Liberal Democrats were on 19 per cent of the vote, up one percentage point on February.
But Labour still topped voters’ preferences on 39 per cent, albeit down three percentage points on last month.
The difference between Labour and Conservatives in February stood at 12 points; it is now down to five.
The poll also found 41 per cent of respondents backed the Conservatives’ plans on ring-fencing health and education spending while making cuts in other public services – which could enable tax cuts.
Over a third (35 per cent) meanwhile backed Labour’s bid to increase spending on all services, without cutting taxes.
Among Labour voters, 40 per cent said they approved of the Conservative idea of making key tax cuts in some areas, while 39 per cent said they wanted increased taxes to pay for better public services.
The Conservatives claim taxes will inevitably rise in a third Labour term.
Should the poll reflect results at the next election, widely expected to take place in May this year, Labour would be returned to office with a majority of more than 100 seats.
NOP interviewed 954 adults aged over 18 between March 11 and 13.
