Author Archives: Stephen Tall

Yesterday’s Indy published an interesting account of the findings of ‘private polling for the Liberal Democrats’ under the flattering headline, Is the invisible Clegg a secret weapon for the Lib Dems?

The research was scarcely earth-shattering, but there were some interesting conclusions:

On Nick Clegg:

The research concluded that Mr Clegg was the Liberal Democrats’ best asset even though he is unknown to many voters. The party’s strategy in the new year will be based on giving him as high a profile as possible. Women, who like him more than men do, regard the Liberal Democrat leader as “nice-looking, presentable, personable and likeable”, according to the research. Among men, he is viewed as “down-to-earth” and “someone I could relate to”. People saw his body language as “in control” and “welcoming”.

On Gordon Brown:

Despite Mr Brown’s experience on the economy and recent recovery in the opinion polls, people regard him as “old”, “dull”, “tired” and “boring”, according to a Liberal Democrat summary of its polling. Voters reacted sceptically when the Prime Minister tried to “feel their pain” by speaking about rising prices at the petrol pump and supermarket check-out. Some pointed out that Mr Brown does not drive, and his remarks contributed to a feeling that he was out of touch with ordinary people.

On David Cameron:

Mr Cameron is seen by many voters as young and energetic and as bringing dynamism to an old-fashioned party. But they believe he looks “too posh” to be “one of us”. Some voters said he was rather lightweight and not experienced enough to be prime minister. … The focus groups suggest that, contrary to rumours in the Westminster village, people do not confuse Mr Clegg with Mr Cameron. The Liberal Democrat leader is seen as more forceful and authoritative without being “posh”.

Three things to note, it seems to me:

First, when it comes to public perceptions of Nick’s performance as Lib Dem leader there’s still all to play for.