Poll Shows Conservatives Still Most Trusted On Economy

The latest poll from Redfield and Wilton Strategies shows that despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson's centre-right Conservatives continuing to trail Labour in voting intention opinion polls, the party retains its lead when respondents are asked which party they most trust to manage the economy.

• Which party do Britons trust the most to manage the economy? (3 Jan) Conservative: 35% (+4), Labour: 28% (+1), Don't know: 18% (-4), Changes +/- 20 Dec
• PM Boris Johnson remains in a precarious position. His decision to maintain Plan B COVID measures in England rather than opt for stricter measures has gone down well with Conservative backbenchers. However, if he is forced to U-turn on this it could result in support draining away further.
• Johnson also faces poor opinion polls (trailing Labour in all polls at present), and the escalating cost of living crisis that has seen calls for an end to VAT on energy bills and calls from one Cabinet member to reverse the planned April increase in National Insurance contributions. As the crisis begins to eat into people's incomes the Conservative polling lead on economic matters could swiftly vanish.