The Liberal Democrat Conference: Ipsos Briefing Pack
With the Liberal Democrat Party Conference kicking off in Liverpool on Saturday, Ipsos has published a briefing pack examining where the party stands in the eyes of the public.
With the Liberal Democrat Party Conference kicking off in Liverpool on Saturday, Ipsos has published a briefing pack examining where the party stands in the polls and how the public (and Lib Dem voters) view Nick Clegg, the government and future policy plans.
The key findings are:
The Liberal Democrats have returned to the low "peacetime" levels of support not seen consistently since 2008.160
Nick Clegg's surge after the debate gave him the highest satisfaction rating enjoyed by any of his predecessors since 1981 and satisfaction with his performance is still higher than before the debates.
160
However, it has dropped significantly since a post debate high and he is now more popular among Conservatives than among his own party's supporters.
Lib Dems are less likely to be satisfied than Tories are with the performance of the Coalition government - though on balance they are still more satisfied than not.
160
Policy challenges ahead:
160
Lib Dems are positive about the UK's long term economic prospects under the Coalition government.
However, they are even less likely than the public as a whole to be convinced of the case for immediate cuts.
160
On other issues such as NHS reform, nuclear power and schools Lib Dems - and the public as a whole - are supportive of the Coalition's plans. But not on plans to raise VAT to 20%.
160
Lib Dems are more likely to think electoral and political reform are priorities, but like the rest of the country they say the economy, race and immigration, and unemployment are the most important issues facing the country.
160
The next year will be the `crunch time' for the Coalition.
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