Opinion polling continues to show declining......>

UK: Opinion polling continues to show declining support for PM Boris Johnson's

Conservatives as media criticism of the gov'ts handling of COVID-19 and the

unwinding of lockdown restrictions intensifies. 

- Latest poll from Redfield & Wilton Strategies: Con 47% (-3%), Lab 35% (+4%),

Lib Dem 9% (+2%), Grn 3% (-2%). Conducted 15 May 1,500 respondents.

- Joint-smallest Con lead since Feb, highest Lab score since before Dec 2019

general election.

- Labour seeing support rise as public becomes more familiar with relatively new

leader Sir Keir Starmer. His more moderate idological stance and forensic

questioning in the Commons has set him apart from his predecessor, left-winger

Jeremy Corbyn. 

- Gov't still holds a large majority of 80 seats in the Commons and does not

face an election any time soon. Nevertheless, there is likely to be some concern

within No. 10 that should the public lose trust in PM Johnson's COVID-19 plan it

could result in long-term damage to gov't credibility given the gravity of

economic crisis facing the UK.