Leader and Party Image - May 2010

Public Sector

How does the public feel about the parties and their leaders after the 2010 UK General Election?

 

Interviews were conducted on 13th-18th May 2010, shortly after the negotiations to form the coalition government were finalised. Leaders David Cameron is seen as most capable and as having the best understanding of the problems facing Britain. He is also felt to have the most personality of the three leaders. His ratings have improved on many attributes since 2006, in particular understanding the problems facing Britain, being a capable leader and being patriotic. However, he is also seen as more out of touch than previously. Gordon Brown leads on being good in a crisis and having the best understanding of world problems. His ratings have improved since 2006 on understanding national and world problems, being good in a crisis and being patriotic. However, more people now think that he `talks down to people' and that he is `out of touch' than in 2006, and fewer now say he has sound judgement. He is also seen as the most inflexible of the three leaders. Nick Clegg is seen as most honest, but is seen as the most inexperienced of the three leaders Parties The Conservative party is seen to be most professional, have the best team of leaders and to understand the problems facing Britain. Its image has improved significantly on these attributes since 2006. The Conservative party is least likely to be seen to represent all classes or be concerned about the people in real need in Britain, although it has improved slightly on both of these since 2006. The Labour party is seen as most divided and most likely to promise anything to win votes. However, its image has improved on both these respects since 2006. The Liberal Democrat party is felt to best represent all classes and be most moderate. Along with the Conservatives, it is felt to have the most sensible policies.

Technical Note

Ipsos interviewed 975 GB adults aged 18+, face-to-face, 13th - 18th May 2010. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population.

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