If the last LAB government continues to be blamed then how come they are so far ahead on voting intention?
@msmithsonpb Surprising that Labour are doing so well in the opinion polls if many still blame them for the economic situation.
— Stephen Hopkins (@StephenHopkin11) June 9, 2013
Surely non-voting findings are “priced in”?
Above is an exchange I had on Twitter pointing up one of the main characteristics of current polling – the gap between what people are saying when asked how they will vote and their responses to specific points like the Brown still being blamed one.
It was the same in the famous example of the Tories leading on the economy in May 1997 and the party getting walloped in the general election.
- My view is that the key elements that voters are looking for are competence and party unity. On both counts the Tories are currently struggling.
The Tories, particularly the 2010 intake, seemed determined to follow different agendas from the leadership on a range of issues and the overall impression is of a party that isn’t united.
Contrast that with Labour. Over the past week as their revised economic strategy was announced there were few dissenting voices and the appearance was of them being unified. It might not last but that perception is playing a big part in driving their current voting lead.
It strikes me as well that the red team is more determined to win back Number 10 than the CON desire to hold on.
A big thank you to TSE for keeping PB going during my Italian holiday.