Normally the news that the Tories had fallen and Labour had gained in the polls would be met with cheers in the Brown bunker but the latest Populus poll might actually hasten the Prime Minister’s exit. The poll shows that opinion has hardened against him and that at least some of the Tory’s new-found support is soft. The implication will not be lost on Labour MP in marginal seats: if they change leader they might just have a chance.
Brown’s personal numbers are, as Peter Riddell notes, incredibly bad. Only 25 percent of those polled think Brown is up to the job of being PM. Three fifths of those who voted Labour at the last general election think Brown is a loser with that fraction rising to three-quarters among the public as a whole.

Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in