The latest Guardian/ICM poll shows that normal service has resumed after the usual conference season unpredictability. The Conservatives restore some of the points they lost in September, to sit just below their average level over the last six months (33%). Labour remain static on 41% as do the Liberal Democrats on 14%. This will be a pleasing outcome for the Prime Minister, whose troubles over the last week or so seem to have washed over the electorate without many taking great notice.
But the impression that the Tory team is under pressure is illustrated with a dramatic fall in the proportion who think that Cameron and Osborne are best able to manage the economy. A record low of 31% say they are, but the Labour team has not instilled enough confidence to reap the dividend. Worryingly for Labour, most of the Tory doubters have moved into the “don’t know” camp rather than jump to Labour. It’s one thing for the government to be unpopular, but it’s clearly quite another for the public be convinced by their opponents.
ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+ by telephone on 19-22nd October 2012. Interviews were conducted acorss the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
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Guardian Poll October 2012 (PDF)
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