Exclusive: Where the next generation of MPs think the burden of cuts should fall

What do the next generation of MPs think with regards to public services, government spending and taxes? Coffee House has got its hands on new research by Ipsos MORI on the opinions of prospective parliamentary candidates from the main parties. The pollsters interviewed almost one hundred PPCs – 26 Conservative, 29 Labour, 20 Liberal Democrat and 11 SNP – who are all standing in marginal or safe seats, and therefore stand a good chance of making it to the green benches after the general election. Here are the points that stand out:

1: Defence cuts on the front line

Defence cuts lead the way for both Labour and Liberal Democrat candidates who agreed that reductions to public spending need to be made. Over two thirds (69 per cent) of Lib Dems named it as a priority, as did 40 per cent from Labour. Meanwhile, Tories overwhelmingly favour cuts to benefits and social security (72 per cent), with only 8 per cent suggesting the defence budget should be reduced.