Blair was likeable - but it was Thatcher who got job done

Voters rate Margaret Thatcher the most capable prime minister of recent decades, but think Tony Blair was the most likeable, according to a poll.

The survey for the Reuters/Ipsos Mori Political Monitor put BaronessThatcher's successor, Sir John Major, bottom of the rankings on both counts.

Only 10 per cent regarded current PM David Cameron the most capable and 17 per cent the most likeable.

Tory voters overwhelmingly preferred Lady Thatcher, with two-thirds saying she was the most capable, compared with one fifth for Cameron.

Overall, 36 per cent of those questioned said Thatcher - Tory PM from 1979 to 1990 - was the most capable leader of the past 30 years, followed by Mr Blair on 27 per cent, Gordon Brown on 11 per cent, Mr Cameron on 10 per cent and Sir John on 7 per cent.

When asked about the PMs' likeability, 26 per cent put Mr Blair first, followed by 22 per cent for Lady Thatcher, 17 per cent for Mr Cameron, 13 per cent for Mr Brown and 10 per cent for Sir John.