G20 summit sparks Labour polls gain

Apr 5 2009

Labour is enjoying a post-G20 summit poll boost as it ate into the Tory lead amid signs of increased public optimism about the chances of economic recovery.

The governing party gained three points in the latest YouGov for the Sunday Times poll to stand at 34%, seven behind the Conservatives who were unchanged on last month.

It is the narrowest gap in the poll this year and was accompanied by an improvement in the personal popularity of Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The online survey, conducted in the days since Mr Brown won high praise from world leaders including US President Barack Obama for securing agreement on a 1.1 trillion dollar boost to the world economy and firmer financial regulation, found more people now thought he was doing a good job.

That number now stands at 41% - up from 36% in November - with those still disapproving of his efforts numbering 53%. The 12-point gap between the two - the approval rating - has halved.

Most (52%) said the summit had been a success although fewer (44%) believed it would help end the recession sooner.

The Liberal Democrats were down one point at 16%.

YouGov interviewed a representative sample of 2,125 voters, across Britain, online, on April 3-4.