Most Labour backers want Brown out

Published on Wednesday 7 May 2008 10:22

MORE than half of Labour supporters want Gordon Brown to stand down as Prime Minister, an poll claimed today.

The Populus survey found 55 per cent of Labour voters believe the party would have more chance of winning the next general election if Mr Brown made way for "a younger, fresher more charismatic alternative".

The poll gave the Tories an 11-point lead, with 40 per cent support to Labour's 29 per cent. That is a rise of one per cent for the Tories and a fall of four per cent for Labour since last month. The Lib Dems were two points up on 19 per cent.

Asked who they trust most to deal with economic problems, 30 per cent said Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling compared with 40 per cent for David Cameron and George Osborne.

Labour faces a tough test in the Crewe and Nantwich by-election on May 22, caused by the death of veteran Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody.

Mr Brown is still under intense pressure to do more to reassure voters that they will not lose out from the abolition of the 10p income tax rate.

Last night former Home Secretary Charles Clarke complained short-term errors were "eroding confidence in Labour's competence".