Is Cleggmania on the wane?

Friday 23rd April 2010, 8:01AM BST.

Can’t see video? Update Adobe Flash Player
Video may take a moment to load.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg’s rising popularity showed signs of waning today as the polls signalled a David Cameron fightback.

A YouGov daily survey taken before the second leaders’ debate put the Tories on 34 per cent, Labour on 29 per cent and the Lib Dems back in third place on 28 per cent.

And the Conservatives continued to edge away from the chasing pack as a fresh poll after the 90-minute clash put Mr Cameron ahead by four points on 36 per cent, Mr Clegg on 32 per cent and Gordon Brown trailing on 29 per cent.

But it was clear that the election race remained wide open as the three main party leaders sought to boost their campaigns after a closely fought contest.

Snapshot polls suggested a dead heat between David Cameron and Nick Clegg, with Gordon Brown trailing despite an improved performance.

Mr Clegg’s bounce in popularity continued despite a concerted attack from Mr Brown and Mr Cameron in the 90-minute showdown.

The gloves were off as the leaders adopted a more confrontational approach compared to last week, clashing on Europe, immigration, nuclear weapons, political sleaze and climate change.

Mr Brown’s supporters were not downhearted with Douglas Alexander, Labour’s election co-ordinator, declaring: “Substance is moving up and style is moving down.”

Shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May hailed a “passionate” performance by Mr Cameron.

View more: Election 2010 news.

1
Hugh

April 24, 2010 at 23:23

I believe Clegg won 3 of the 5 post-debate polls, but Lib Dem supporters should vote Tory in the Wrekin to help remove Brown’s Commons majority and Labour in Telford to prevent a Tory majority. The Lib Dems should focus on winning only Ludlow.

Report abuse