The two main parties are on the slide, their historic decline speeded up
by an economic meltdown that fuelled discontent with their style of traditional
politics and fostered the rise of insurgent parties. Labour remains marginally
ahead but is distrusted on economic matters and held back by a leader who
commands little confidence. The Tories have the most trusted leader, even on the
sacred health service, yet voters think they care only for the rich, and remain
wary of their stewardship of public services.
Both parties responded badly to the disruptive political climate, their
fumbling reaction to Ukip’s rise in England and
the SNP surge in Scotland boosting the insurgents
while corroding their own brands. These are volatile times and anything could
happen before voters go to the polls on 7th of May, especially given a Greek election with potential to spark a eurozone crisis. But most people in Westminster
privately predict a hung parliament.
