Voters prefer a traditionally left-wing Labour government over a right-wing Tory one, shows poll

With the new year upon us, YouGov have decided to mix things up. Instead of asking people who they intend to vote for in the general election, in a poll for the Times Red Box, YouGov asked:“If forced to choose from the following four options, which do you prefer as the outcome of the next general election?”

This question sees the Tories fare a little better, with 35% of people preferring a Tory absolute majority with Cameron as PM, and only 26% saying they would like see a Labour absolute majority with Miliband at the helm.

However, when it comes to a coalition, 18% would like to see a Lab-Lib partnership with Miliband as PM, and 12% would like another Con-Lib government with Cameron as PM.

They also asked: “Still forced to choose from just these four options, which do find the most attractive (or the least unattractive) proposition?”

These results are revealing.

24% of people would prefer a traditionally left-wing Labour government, over  21% of people who would a traditionally right-wing Tory government. While 27% would want a softer ‘very centrist’ Tory government, and 22% would want a centrist Labour government.

This polling doesn’t make for particularly pleasant reading. However, it’s worth considering that although more would prefer a centrist Tory government, this is hardly what the Conservatives are offering.

The results will no doubt give confidence to both those who would prefer to see Labour take a more left-wing position before the election, and those who argue that there are more votes to be won on the political centre ground.