The ComRes survey suggests that Labour could lose centre-ground votes to Farage.
The ComRes survey suggests that Labour could lose centre-ground votes to Farage
A shocking poll published in the Independent yesterday showed that voters view the Conservatives as more right wing than UKIP.
The poll, carried out by ComRes for the Sunday Mirror and the Independent on Sunday, asked people to position themselves on a political spectrum from 0 to 10, with 0 meaning ‘very left wing’ and 10 meaning ‘very right wing’.
On this scale, UKIP’s average score was 6.6, while the Conservatives’ was 6.9. The Liberal Democrats were placed at 4.9, and Labour at 4.1.
There were some interesting disparities between the positioning of parties and their leaders; David Cameron’s average score was 6.8 and Nick Clegg’s 5.1, showing how the coalition government has compromised the standing of both leaders with their respective supporters.
Ed Miliband scored 4.1 along with his party, and Nigel Farage scored 6.6. The Green Party is viewed as the most left wing, with an average score of 4.06.
Interestingly, Conservative voters consider the Conservatives more right-wing than UKIP voters consider UKIP. Conservatives also view themselves as more right wing than UKIP voters consider themselves.
This suggests that there are shifting perspectives about the definition of right wing. The perceived elitism of the Tories and the perceived racism of UKIP seem to be equal contenders for what it means to be right wing in modern Britain.
The average voter placed themselves at 5.3, just right of centre.
The poll shows that the Labour party are perceived as being closer to the average person than the Conservatives, who are considered more right wing than Prince Charles. However the poll could still spell bad news for Milband’s party, as it suggests that UKIP are beginning to encroach on centre-left voters.
When given a choice of Cameron, Miliband, Clegg, Farage and Boris Johnson, 43 per cent of those questioned said they would choose to have a meal with Boris Johnson, compared to 15 per cent who chose Miliband. Boris was also the most popular choice to have on a pub quiz team, and to have as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
29 per cent said that they would choose David Cameron to give them first aid in an emergency, compared with 21 per cent who chose Ed Miliband and 25 per cent who chose Nick Clegg.
Ed Miliband scored better on social issues, with 26 per cent of those questioned choosing the Labour leader to give advice to the poor on how to feed themselves, and 33 per cent choosing him to improve standards for working people.
Only three per cent of people who intend to vote for the Conservatives would most like to have a meal with Ed Miliband, and four per cent of Labour voters would choose to dine with Cameron.
A huge 44 per cent of people questioned said they would choose to spend Christmas with Boris Johnson, but only 15 per cent would choose him to administer first aid in an emergency.
The poll highlights the fact that being popular and being trusted do not always go hand in hand, and shows how unpredictable the election results remain.
Ruby Stockham is a staff writer at Left Foot Forward. Follow her on Twitter
To reach hundreds of thousands of new readers and to make the biggest impact we can in the next general election, we need to grow our donor base substantially.
That's why in 2024, we are seeking to generate 150 additional regular donors to support Left Foot Forward's work.
We still need another 124 people to donate to hit the target. You can help. Donate today.
22 Responses to “Poll shows that Conservatives are now considered more right wing than UKIP”
Leon Wolfeson
So their propaganda is working, sad.
Guest
Ah right, so once you block all other political views, and only yours are allowable…
David Lindsay
Of course the Lib Dems are now an uncomplicatedly right-wing party. And of course UKIP is now to the left of the Conservatives. Therefore, UKIP is also to the left of the Lib Dems.
The Conservatives and the Lib Dems are to the right of a party neither of whose MPs voted yesterday to save the English firemen’s pensions.
Yes, there certainly is still a left-right split. Yes, it certainly is still about economics. No, that is not the only thing in politics. But then, it never has been.
In five months’ time, we shall be asked to do to the Britain of 2015, through our parliamentary process, what it took a military coup to do to the Chile of 1973.
Leon Wolfeson
No, it took a revolution. The Coalition delivered one, not least in the fixed-term parliament act.
Selohesra
Come on Leon talk sense! – yes UKIP have racist members as to Labour & the Tories – nothing to be proud of but also not much they can do to stop it.
As to lies about the Left are you denying that the unfortunate areas where BNP have in the past achieved electoral success are Labour heartlands or do you think these places are really right wing Tory areas? And while we are at it don’t forget the National Socialists (clue is in the name if you need help)