By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982
A new ICM poll for today’s Guardian shows Labour have narrowed the gap on the Tories by four points to 13%, securing a net gain on the Conservatives of 4 points. It’s the third consecutive major poll in which Labour have consolidated or improved their position on the Tories.
With time running out, however, these numbers would be enough for a 70 seat Tory majority if transfered to the general election next year. Equally worrying is the Guardian’s assertion that:
“the Tory leader is now regarded as tougher, more decisive and mjore internationally respected than Gordon Brown…Today’s scores are the same as Labour’s lead in the November 1996 Guardian/ICM poll, before the May 1997 election, which Tony Blair went on to win by just under 13 points.”
On a couple of key questions, David Cameron and the Tories have made gains in vital areas. Asked which party is best placed to bring people out of poverty, 42% of respondents said the Conservatives, and 41% said Labour; 48% think David Cameron is more decisive, with only 37% saying Gordon Brownl and Cameron also leads by 9 points on making the right decision when the going gets tough.
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