Election

Ipsos's recent survey about former Conservative MP and Shadow Home Secretary David Davis suggests that the public are somewhat divided on the issue of his resignation.

The contest for Mayor of London has generated the most interest of any election this year, with the possible exception of the race for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Ipsos's April Political Monitor (conducted 17-22 April 2008) shows the Conservatives leading over Labour by nine points among those 'certain to vote' at an upcoming general election (40% compared to 31%).

Ipsos interview a representative quota sampe of 600 adults in London aged 18+ and asked those absolutely certain to vote a few questions.

Ipsos's poll on the London Mayoral election, carried out 1-7 April 2008 for the trade union UNISON, shows the first preference results are 41% for Ken Livingstone, 40% for Boris Johnson, 14% for Brian Paddick, and 5% for Sian Berry among those saying they are "certain to vote" (48%).

Ipsos's Economic Optimism Index, which measures public optimism about the future of the economy, is currently the lowest it has been since March 1980.

Alistair Darling delivers his first Budget as Chancellor this week having faced a number of difficulties since entering 11 Downing Street last summer, such as an economic slowdown and criticism of his handling of Northern Rock.

Q On balance, do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "I have influence over how public services are delivered"

Q How confident, if at all, are you that the government will "do the right thing about pensions" in the next few years?