February 02, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - Labour remains the top political party in Britain, according to a poll by Communicate Research published in The Independent. 40 per cent of respondents would vote for Labour in the next general election.

(Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - Labour remains the top political party in Britain, according to a poll by Communicate Research published in The Independent. 40 per cent of respondents would vote for Labour in the next general election.

The Conservative party is second with 32 per cent, followed by the Liberal Democrats with 20 per cent. Britain must renew the House of Commons by June 2006. There is growing speculation that an election will take place in May 2005.

Yesterday, prime minister Tony Blair presented a plan designed to allow people who receive disability benefits to rejoin the workforce, saying, "We want a system that rewards work, rewards learning, targets abuse and has respect for the local community."

Last month, chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown tabled a proposal to extend maternity benefits for new mothers, and provide more child care services to allow women to return to work.

Polling Data

What party would you vote for in the next general election?

	Jan. 2005	Dec. 2004	Nov. 2004
Labour	40%	39%	42%
Conservative	32%	34%	31%
Liberal Democrats	20%	19%	20%

Source: Communicate Research / The Independent
Methodology: Interviews to 1,008 British adults, conducted on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.