Johnny Hates Jazz

English Democrats Matt O'Connor in Third Place in On-Line Poll BEATING Liberal Democrats

Surge in voter interest sparked by election - report - London mayoral elections: MSN <b style="color:black;background-color:#99ff99">poll</b> shows surge in voter interest - news & weather

"A separate online poll of more than 5,000 MSN users showed Conservative candidate Boris Johnson leading the field with 58% of the vote, while the incumbent Ken Livingstone trailed a distant second with 14%. In third place was Matt O’Connor of the English Democrats on 11%, with fourth place in the popularity stakes going to Lib Dem candidate Brian Paddick with 5%."


Record numbers of voters are expected to head to the polling booths on May 1 to vote in this year’s London mayoral elections, according to new research.


A YouGov survey commissioned by MSN indicates 2.5 million Londoners (48% of the capital’s eligible voters) are committed to casting their vote next month. In 2004, when the city’s first directly elected mayor – Ken Livingstone – won a second term, 2.2 million voted (41% of the capital’s eligible voters).


The results also suggest that this trend may be mirrored on the national stage: 65% of eligible voters said they were planning to vote in the next General Election, compared with the 61% voter turnout in 2005.


In addition to reinvigorated voter interest, the survey of more than 5,000 people – including 1,000 Londoners – revealed a gender divide: 68% of men said they intended to vote next time the government goes to the country, compared to 61% of women.


Age also served as a divisive factor: 76% of people over the age of 55 said they intended to vote, compared to 64% of those aged 35 to 54 and 51% of people between the ages of 18 and 34.


The Conservatives claimed the highest predicted turnout of loyal voters, with 80% of their supporters pledging to head to the polls, compared to 70% of the Lib Dems' followers and 67% of Labour’s.


Going green
The electorate sent a clear statement to political hopefuls via the survey: environmental credentials are paramount, with 35% rating them the most important consideration after a candidate’s manifesto.


Nearly a third (28%) said private life was almost as important as policies. One in four said candidates' lifestyle factors – such as cars, or where they choose to holiday – indicated what type of politician they would be. A further one in five voters declared that dress sense and hairstyle also influence their allegiance.


Tony Travers, director of the Greater London Group at the London School of Economics and an expert on the elections, told MSN UK News: “Turnout at local elections has slightly improved in recent years, so there is a real chance that this year’s neck-and-neck London mayoral race will bring out the voters. Good weather would help, too.


“Less seriously, the news that ‘dress sense and hairstyle’ may affect how people vote will certainly give people pause for thought. Ken Livingstone has a natty line in suits, while Boris Johnson’s hair is, well, extraordinary.”


Political tiffs
Rather than coming to blows over their political differences, 35% of couples claimed they share their partner’s outlook and generally back the same party. By contrast, 21% of couples admitted to disagreeing about politics and voting for opposing candidates.


Indecisiveness was largely to blame for 2005’s low turnout, with four per cent confessing they could not decide who to vote for – and didn’t think their vote would make a difference. Six per cent said they stayed away from the polls because they weren’t interested in politics or couldn’t be bothered to vote. A further two per cent claimed they didn’t have time, forgot, or got home too late


A separate online poll of more than 5,000 MSN users showed Conservative candidate Boris Johnson leading the field with 58% of the vote, while the incumbent Ken Livingstone trailed a distant second with 14%. In third place was Matt O’Connor of the English Democrats on 11%, with fourth place in the popularity stakes going to Lib Dem candidate Brian Paddick with 5%.


by Laura Snook, Editor, MSN UK News

April 8 2008

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English Democrats SAY NO To European Union

English not British not European
- It's time to decide at the 2009 European Elections

Northumbrian

Exciting times indeed!

Rebirth

Indeed.

Danny

We will all be excited when the votes are counted.I look forward to DEBATING WITH Uncles and co on there result cant wait

Johnny Hates Jazz

Are you coming to the Count Danny ?

__________________
English Democrats SAY NO To European Union

English not British not European
- It's time to decide at the 2009 European Elections

Danny

No sorry steve.cant make it to busy getting ready for commenting on your 1 percent or less.quote

Rebirth

Danny - Are you playing the role of the 'Joker'?

Kapaaaam!!!!

Independent UKIP

The role of the 'Plant' is more likely. Anyone making post after post asserting that O'Connor/ED's will get at most 1% cannot be taken too seriously. Danny sounds genuine but he so severely understates the likely ED results as to be unbelievable. I know the ED's won't do well but with Danny helpfully massaging expectations down so that anything above 1% might be able to be pronounced as a positive result in comparison he is doing them a big favour.

Perhaps Danny doesn't realise he is benefiting the ED's through some of his posts; if so I hope he now realises it.

sue1966

You really need to get yourself another hobby Danny....

cassie

Just who and what do you support in the GLA elections Danny . . . if anything?

How about declaring your interest?




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