LONDON, Oct. 26 -- An opinion poll in The Times newspaper Thursday said Britain's opposition Labour Party increased its popularity rating in October by 5 points to 56 percent, a 29-point lead over the ruling Conservatives. The Tories, led by Prime Minister John Major, polled just 27 percent in the survey, despite morale boosts from their October annual conference and Major's victory in this summer's leadership contest. The poll was conducted by Market and Opinion Research International. 'The display of public unity in the Tory Party since John Major's re-election as leader in July has yet to alter voting intentions,' The Times commented. Labour leader Tony Blair suffered criticism from within his party during August and September, temporarily denting his lead over Major. But the newspaper said, 'The net effect has been to leave the parties roughly where they were in the spring. 'Any firming in Tory support since the has been very slight,' it added. The smaller opposition Liberal Democrat Party lost three points to 13 percent in the poll of 1,929 adults. Blair's personal approval rating also fell slightly in late summer, but was now back close to its previous highs, the MORI poll said, with two thirds of those interviewed approving of his performance. By contrast, Major's approval rating as leader of country scored minus 36 points on MORI's popularity index, down from minus 34 in September, but an improvement on minus 47-50 points in the spring. The morale-boosting effect of the Conservatives' 'made more of an impact within the party than on the public,' The Times said.
Satisfaction with the government's running of the country was at only 15 percent, although this was the highest level since spring. Meanwhile, British media said Blair was sending senior Labour colleagues on a special management course at an elite Oxford college to teach them how to run the country and compensate for lack of ministerial experience. Although Labour stands a good chance of winning the next general election, few of Blair's 'shadow cabinet' of treasury, foreign affairs, defense and other spokesmen have a track record in government.
