Tories Still Leading Polls

Labour is continuing to trail behind the Tories, according to two separate opinion polls published over the weekend.

The opposition party now leads the government with an average of 17 points, with less than a year before a general election is called.

A Sunday Times YouGov survey put the Conservatives at 42 points, against Labour's 28.

However, according to the poll, the government has climbed three percentage points since the last YouGov recording.

Contrary to this, an ICM survey conducted for the Sunday Mirror pitted Labour at 26 points, claiming a one point dip on last month.

According to ICM, the Tories gained two point, putting their 43 point status 17% ahead of the government.

These results will be seen as another disaster for Labour, which suffered an historic defeat at the European elections in June.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's tenure as party leader has been wrought with in-party 'back-biting' and several calls for his resignation.

However, Mr Brown has remained resolute, defending his position and ordering a post-Euro election cabinet reshuffle.

The current UK economic situation has been described as the worst since World War II, but former Chancellor Mr Brown and his colleagues, including Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, have insisted the Prime Minister is the 'best man' to lead the country through the recession.

Public opinions on financial recovery is mixed, according to the weekend polls.

YouGov results suggested many do not expect any change until next year.

Less than 10% think recovery has already began, with a further 13% thinking it will happen by the end of this year.

YouGov polled 2,007 adults on August 13 and 14, while the Sunday Mirror gave no further details about the ICM poll.

(PR/BMcC)