Tories retake poll lead in spite of unpopular cuts

Labour slip behind the Conservatives in Guardian poll for first time since July, but opposition to cuts is deepening

A majority of voters are convinced that the consequences of spending cuts will be unfair, according to a Guardian/ICM poll.

But the poll suggests there is no full-scale revolt against the coalition measures after last week's comprehensive spending review, with Labour slipping behind the Conservatives for the first time in the Guardian polling series since July.

The Conservatives have turned a two-point deficit in the Guardian's last ICM poll into a three-point lead, 39% to 36%. The government also retains a strong lead on economic competence.

That will come as a relief to ministers who feared the immediate political impact of the massive cuts in spending could be far worse.

Nor is there any sign yet of a dramatic Labour advance under Ed Miliband's leadership. In a theoretical immediate general election, both Labour and the Conservatives would gain votes compared with last May's general election and the Liberal Democrats would lose out.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/oct/25/guardian-icm-poll-tories-ahead

That said, it's a reminder that the French don't call flagellation "le vice anglais" for nothing.

The Skin