Labour would be doing better with Blair in charge
James Forsyth 5:19pm
If Tony Blair were still Prime Minister Labour would be five—not sixteen—points behind the Conservatives, according to the latest YouGov poll. With Blair back at the helm, the Conservative vote falls to below 40 percent, while the Labour vote rises by six points.
More voters think that it is unlikely than likely that Brown will be Labour leader after the next election. There is, though, no clear successor; that modern-day Vicar of Bray, Jack Straw is the only Labour politician to break into double-figures when voters are asked who they would like it to be.
The finding that should really worry Brown, though, is that 61 percent of voters blame his management of the economy for its current problems. As Matt argues, it is ironically the economy where the disconnect between Brown and the electorate is clearest.
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Comments
Cindy
April 13th, 2008 5:55pmIts MIDDLE ENGLAND, always has been in love with Blair and always will be, but just cannot connect with Brown.
Christopher White
April 14th, 2008 9:06amI can remember Jack Straw singing 'The Vicar of Bray' at school - in criticism. How times change!
EyeSee
April 14th, 2008 12:34pmBlair always carried much more conviction in his lies than Brown. People who would feel safer with him back in charge are merely admitting that they fall for an act. The choice is merely which doctor would you like to kill you?
Perry
April 14th, 2008 12:38pm"Labour would be doing better with Blair in charge . . . " = "the situation must be grim indeedy."
Perhaps the ingratiating smile would make all things better?