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Boris Johnson is most popular but David Cameron is more capable – poll Boris Johnson is most popular but David Cameron is more capable – poll
(3 months later)
David Cameron is regarded as a more capable prime minister than Boris Johnson would be, even though the mayor of London is regarded as the most popular politician in the country, according a new poll from Lord Ashcroft.David Cameron is regarded as a more capable prime minister than Boris Johnson would be, even though the mayor of London is regarded as the most popular politician in the country, according a new poll from Lord Ashcroft.
Remarkably, Johnson is behind both Ed Miliband and David Cameron as the best potential prime minister, suggesting he has a long way to go to persuade voters that he is a serious figure equipped to run the country.Remarkably, Johnson is behind both Ed Miliband and David Cameron as the best potential prime minister, suggesting he has a long way to go to persuade voters that he is a serious figure equipped to run the country.
The findings will be sobering reading for Tory MPs thinking that Johnson would be an easy option if Cameron was seen as unable to lead the Tories to victory at the next election.The findings will be sobering reading for Tory MPs thinking that Johnson would be an easy option if Cameron was seen as unable to lead the Tories to victory at the next election.
Johnson is regarded as more likeable, more of a "people person" and more likely to "get things done" than any other senior politician. A majority say he is "different from most politicians, and in a good way". He is also given the benefit of the doubt to a greater extent than MPs.Johnson is regarded as more likeable, more of a "people person" and more likely to "get things done" than any other senior politician. A majority say he is "different from most politicians, and in a good way". He is also given the benefit of the doubt to a greater extent than MPs.
His support is especially strong among Ukip supporters; but given his backing for immigration, this popularity seems to be based less on Johnson's policies than on Ukip supporters' opposition to the political system in general.His support is especially strong among Ukip supporters; but given his backing for immigration, this popularity seems to be based less on Johnson's policies than on Ukip supporters' opposition to the political system in general.
Lord Ashcroft's research report, Are You Serious? Boris, the Tories and the Voters, is based on a poll of over 8,000 people, as well as focus groups in six locations outside London.Lord Ashcroft's research report, Are You Serious? Boris, the Tories and the Voters, is based on a poll of over 8,000 people, as well as focus groups in six locations outside London.
The broader polling research by the former Conservative deputy chairman is now widely regarded across the political spectrum as dispassionate and informed analysis.The broader polling research by the former Conservative deputy chairman is now widely regarded across the political spectrum as dispassionate and informed analysis.
The findings of the research show:The findings of the research show:
• More than half (53%) said Johnson was "different from most other politicians, and in a good way", including 42% of Labour voters and 49% of Liberal Democrats; 19% said he was the same as most other politicians and 18% that he was "not really a politician at all".• More than half (53%) said Johnson was "different from most other politicians, and in a good way", including 42% of Labour voters and 49% of Liberal Democrats; 19% said he was the same as most other politicians and 18% that he was "not really a politician at all".
• Nine out of 10 (91%) could correctly identify a photo of Johnson – second only to David Cameron (94%).• Nine out of 10 (91%) could correctly identify a photo of Johnson – second only to David Cameron (94%).
• Majorities of all parties' voters thought he was doing a good job as mayor of London. While 57% thought this was a serious job with real responsibility, 42% thought it was "mainly about generating publicity for the city rather than running anything".• Majorities of all parties' voters thought he was doing a good job as mayor of London. While 57% thought this was a serious job with real responsibility, 42% thought it was "mainly about generating publicity for the city rather than running anything".
People often said Johnson said what he thought and did not toe the party line, but few knew where he stood on any particular issue or recalled him disagreeing with the government.People often said Johnson said what he thought and did not toe the party line, but few knew where he stood on any particular issue or recalled him disagreeing with the government.
Of those polled, 29% said Johnson would be the best prime minister, behind Cameron (33%) and Miliband (31%), but ahead of Nick Clegg (7%). Conservative supporters preferred Cameron over Johnson by 81% to 18%.Of those polled, 29% said Johnson would be the best prime minister, behind Cameron (33%) and Miliband (31%), but ahead of Nick Clegg (7%). Conservative supporters preferred Cameron over Johnson by 81% to 18%.
Just over a third (35%) said Johnson would be capable of running the country as PM and 32% said he would change Britain for the better.Just over a third (35%) said Johnson would be capable of running the country as PM and 32% said he would change Britain for the better.
A majority of Ukip voters (57%) said the Conservatives would be more likely to win a general election with Johnson as leader, though only 35% said this would make them more likely to vote Tory themselves.A majority of Ukip voters (57%) said the Conservatives would be more likely to win a general election with Johnson as leader, though only 35% said this would make them more likely to vote Tory themselves.
Overall, 23% said they would be more likely to vote for a Conservative party led by Johnson; 50% said it would make no difference. Conservative voters were the most likely to say Johnson as leader would reduce the party's chances of winning an election.Overall, 23% said they would be more likely to vote for a Conservative party led by Johnson; 50% said it would make no difference. Conservative voters were the most likely to say Johnson as leader would reduce the party's chances of winning an election.
Commenting on the poll, Ashcroft said: "The overlap between Ukip-inclined voters and those who most strongly back the idea of Boris as prime minister is surely no coincidence. The fact that Boris has been among the most outspoken supporters of immigration and gay marriage shows that this is nothing whatsoever to do with policy.Commenting on the poll, Ashcroft said: "The overlap between Ukip-inclined voters and those who most strongly back the idea of Boris as prime minister is surely no coincidence. The fact that Boris has been among the most outspoken supporters of immigration and gay marriage shows that this is nothing whatsoever to do with policy.
"The idea of Prime Minister Boris appeals most to those who have the most jaded view of what politics can achieve for the country and themselves. Though they often think Boris is cleverer and more competent than he is sometimes given credit for, this is beside the point. It is the antithesis of the idea that serious times call for serious people; rather, in an age when our problems seem beyond the capacity of governments to solve, we might as well have a leader who cheers us all up."The idea of Prime Minister Boris appeals most to those who have the most jaded view of what politics can achieve for the country and themselves. Though they often think Boris is cleverer and more competent than he is sometimes given credit for, this is beside the point. It is the antithesis of the idea that serious times call for serious people; rather, in an age when our problems seem beyond the capacity of governments to solve, we might as well have a leader who cheers us all up.
"There is no doubt that Boris is a great asset to his party, and I think his time as mayor has shown that he is up to the demands of executive office. But ultimately, were it to come to pass, the fact of having Boris as leader would not make the things that stop people voting Tory go away." Patrick Wintour "There is no doubt that Boris is a great asset to his party, and I think his time as mayor has shown that he is up to the demands of executive office. But ultimately, were it to come to pass, the fact of having Boris as leader would not make the things that stop people voting Tory go away." Patrick Wintour
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