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To: maceng2 who wrote (463)10/5/2003 7:51:56 PM
From: maceng2  Read Replies (1) of 1417
 
Half of voters 'show no party loyalty'

ananova.com

Almost half of British voters have no allegiance to any political party, according to a new survey released today.

Some 47% of people quizzed for the thinktank Reform said they did not identify with any party, compared with 26% who said their loyalties were to Labour and just 16% who described themselves as Conservatives.

And the poll found widespread disillusionment with the traditional parties, with almost three-quarters (74%) of those questioned agreeing that "none of the parties seems to have any really new or attractive policies for tackling problems in the country".

The findings suggest that, more than ever before, success in the upcoming general election will depend on appealing to floating voters.

Although non-aligned voters are less likely to go to the polls than those committed to a party, the survey makes clear that no party can simply rely on getting its own vote out on polling day.

In similar studies in 1964, just 18% of voters said they had no allegiance to any political party.

But in the poll, carried out by ICM Research, only 2% said they were strongly Conservative and 3% strongly Labour. Some 14% said they were weaker Conservative and 23% weaker Labour, while 11% identified with another party.

"The fastest growing party in Britain is the No Party," said Reform director Nick Herbert.

"Winning back No Party voters must be the objective of every party. The agenda of real reform offers a huge political opportunity, not just to transform Britain but also to re-connect with a disillusioned electorate that wants change."

The poll showed an appetite for reform in the public services, with 88% agreeing that the provision of healthcare is "in need of fundamental review" and 74% saying the same about the state education system.

Story filed: 15:22 Sunday 5th October 2003
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