Government are “out of touch” say voters

A poll for the Independent on Sunday and the Sunday Mirror has found that 72% of people agree with the statement:

“This Government is out of touch with ordinary voters”

The impact of the budget, the run on petrol and perhaps (even just for comic value) the pasty tax, are starting to be felt. But it’s becoming clear that the “we’re all in this together” message was thrown out of the window by the Chancellor a week last Wednesday – and the public have noticed.

Specifically, 81% believe the government created unneccesary panic over fuel shortages, 64% oppose the granny tax and 71% are against the pasty tax. Labour still lags behind the Tories on the economy, but when it comes to trust, John Rentoul notes:

“The “trust” gap between the Conservative team and the Labour team was 25 points (between net -20 and -45) before the Budget and is now 4 points (-35 and -39).”

Despite the horrrorshow that was Bradford West, Labour are for now firmly back in the game. However at the moment that appears to be through anger at the government, rather than through any particular love for Labour. But there’s a vacuum to be filled…