Ipsos survey of Transport Journalists 2013

Results from Ipsos’s 2013 survey of transport journalists shows that Boris Johnson and Patrick McLoughlin are currently tied as the country’s ‘most impressive spokesperson’ on transport. Both have 12% of transport journalists rating them as the top spokesperson this year.

They are followed in third place by former Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, who was mentioned by 11% of respondents; journalist Christian Wolmar is next with 8%.

Johnson and Mcloughlin have both increased their profile amongst transport journalists since 2012, when Mr Johnson received 9% of votes and Mr McLoughlin was not mentioned.

Prominent figures in the private sector were mentioned less frequently than politicians. The AA’s Edmund King and Richard Branson have received 5% each, with CEO of International Airlines Group, Willie Walsh, and Stephen Glaister of the RAC Foundation on 4% and 3% respectively.

However, despite being positive towards high profile personalities, journalists are less positive when rating political parties for their policies. In fact, the largest group (27%) say that none of the political parties has particularly impressive transportation policies, whilst 19% felt the Conservatives have impressive policies, with Labour following on 18%.

Debbie Shuttlewood, Research Director at Ipsos Loyalty, said:

“The findings suggest that Conservative politicians are being seen to take the lead in addressing the country’s key transport issues. As we begin the build-up to the next General Election, it will be interesting to see if these politicians will be able to harness their personal credibility amongst journalists for the wider benefit of their party.”

Technical Note

• Results taken from 2013 study of Transport Journalists, part of Ipsos’s programme of regular multi-sponsored studies among key influencer audiences
• 73 journalists were interviewed face-to-face between 5thJune – 24th July 2013
• Wording from questionnaire: “Who, in your opinion, is the most impressive spokesperson on transport issues at the moment?” “Of the current major political parties, which one do you believe has the most impressive transportation policies and agenda?”