David Cameron’s popularity – the reason why we are having an EU referendum and the reason why LEAVE is likely to lose
The reason, of course, why we are having an EU referendum is that the Conservatives had such a stunning and surprise victory in the general election. One of the key factors in that, I would argue, is the personality and popularity of David Cameron himself.
Without the “Cameron premium” then it’s likely that the Tories would not be in power and able to decide.
Just look at the polling above which was taken just before the general election. This is the regular Ipsos “like him like his party tracker” and as can be seen Cameron was enjoying a fairly big lead over the Conservatives. This is in sharp contrast at to Ed Miiband whose personal numbers were a long way behind the totals saying they liked LAB.
So whatever Cameron is doing or saying in relation to the coming referendum I believe will be absolutely crucial. If he himself is recommending acceptance then I think REMAIN will win.
Look at this other polling from YouGov of which magnifies the point. On the first question leave is 3% a head. To the second question relating to David Cameron REMAIN has a big margin.
Why Cameron's view could be deciding factor in the EU Referendum. Notice the gap between the top two YouGov findings pic.twitter.com/fW7QBjFCjO
— Mike Smithson (@MSmithsonPB) October 12, 2015