New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
25 August 2010

The coalition’s approval rating turns negative

Approval rating falls to minus 2, the first time the coalition has scored a negative rating.

By George Eaton

It’s been a tough week for the coalition, with new warnings of a double-dip recession and yet more evidence that the coming cuts will hit the poorest hardest.

Now, from YouGov, comes news that the government’s approval rating has turned negative for the first time. As the graph below shows, net approval (those who think the government is doing a good job minus those who don’t) now stands at -2 per cent, with a marked decline in the past week.

Graph

Just as worrying for the long-term health of the coalition is that the Lib Dems are still tanking in the polls. The latest daily YouGov/Sun poll puts Nick Clegg’s party on just 13 per cent, with the Tories stable on 41 per cent and Labour on an impressive 38 per cent.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

If repeated at a general election, these figures would see Clegg’s party reduced to a rump of 17 seats. If Lib Dem discontent isn’t to turn into outright rebellion the situation will need to improve — and soon.

Content from our partners
Clean power 2030? Mission accepted
How a digital approach to trade could empower economic growth
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth