Credit:UN/DPI Photo by Evan Schneider

Charles Kennedy

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Some British voters would support the Conservative party if former chancellor of the exchequer Kenneth Clarke takes over as leader, according to a poll by ICM Research published in The Guardian. 32 per cent of respondents say they are more likely to vote for the Tories under Clarke.

In May, British voters renewed the House of Commons. The governing Labour party secured 35.2 per cent of the vote and 356 seats, followed by the Conservatives with 32.2 per cent and 197 legislators, and the Liberal Democrats with 22 per cent and 62 lawmakers.

Following the election, Tory leader Michael Howard vowed to stand down, saying, "I'm 63 years old. At the time of the next election in four or five years' time I'll be 67 or 68 and I believe that's simply too old to lead a party into government." The new Conservative leader will be chosen in October.

Last October, British prime minister Tony Blair announced that he would retire at the end of his third term. Current chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Blair. 37 per cent of respondents say they would be more likely to support Labour if Brown becomes leader.

Charles Kennedy has headed the Lib-Dems since August 1999. 58 per cent of respondents think Kennedy should continue, while 30 per cent of respondents believe it is time for him to stand down.

Polling Data

Would you be more likely or less likely to consider voting Conservative if Ken Clarke were to lead the party?

Would you be more likely or less likely to consider voting Labour if Gordon Brown were to lead the party?

Charles Kennedy has been leader of the Liberal Democrats for six years. Do you think it is time for him to stand down in favour of someone new or should he continue as leader?

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