Interesting poll from Ipsos Mori and the Guardian today showing support for the Lib Dems at only 11% - a 19 year low:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/dec/14/chris-huhne-liberal-democrats-poll
The other stand out statistic is that Ed Milliband only has a +1 satisfaction rating after 3 months in office - the lowest for a new leader since Michael Foot.
Despite all this, David Cameron and the Conservatives seem to have retained support - despite controlling the majority of Government offices in a time of unprecedented cuts.
I put this down to perceptions of principle. Voters know Cameron and Osborne's agenda. They have made a clear and concise statement - we are going to cut and cut deeply. They have no plan B (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/spending-review/8077541/Spending-review-2010-Theres-no-Plan-B-says-George-Osborne.html).
This strategy has been extremely unpopular yet still the Conservatives have been perceived to be straight talking and the venom of the liberal left has been directed at the 'betrayal' of Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems.
Even big business leaders such as Phillip Green have been attacked ahead of the Chancellor.
I believe this is because voters seem to be anxious to see the results of this plan. Yet they are still suffering and hurting and who better to take it out on than a Lib Dem party flip flopping over student fees and one uncomfortable in its own skin at the present time.
Nick Clegg needs to find definition to salvage his reputation.
Definition is also something lacking for Ed Milliband. Normally, I wouldn't see this as a problem but I was concerned to see the younger Milliband brother hold the first of new regular press conferences this week.
Press conferences, after three months and without any clear policy direction? The strategy seems to be hold this rather grand sounding review, then drag it out whilst taking pot shots at the government. That may have worked for another Leader of the Opposition but not one who was a Minister in the last Cabinet months ago.
I'm afraid Mr Milliband will need to shelve the press briefings and find a niche, a cause. Even Cameron defined himself in the early days - even though the 'green' credentials were shed, logo aside.
Expect the Labour logo re-design soon.
"Nick Clegg needs to find definition to salvage his reputation."
ReplyDelete...there is no hope for Clegg. He is finished. And if you can't see this I would give up the blog business mate...
Clegg is currently known for nothing except the man who sold his soul for power. He has no defining policy credentials and is therefore attracting comments such as 'he is finished'. To look at the reasoning behind this is quite clear - he has broken manifesto policy pledges and failed to engage voters in any meaningful debate. He is defined by nothing but this failure compared to even his Coalition partner, Cameron, hence my point.
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