Labour scores highest poll rating since end of Iraq war

Labour was given a pre-election boost today as a poll showed its support at the highest level since the end of the Iraq war.

A Populus poll for The Times shows support for Labour has jumped three points over the last month to 41 per cent.

By contrast, the Conservatives remain flat on 32 per cent and the Liberal Democrats have dropped two points to 18 per cent.

It is Labour's best showing since the fall of Baghdad in April 2003, and indicates that middle-class supporters alienated by the war are returning to support the party.

The poll contains some comfort for the Conservatives.

Michael Howard's tough line on immigration and tax cuts has struck a chord with voters. The Conservatives are eight points ahead on immigration and asylum and one point ahead of the Government on taxes.

But on every other major indicator, Labour leads the Tories and the Liberal Democrats. On the three issues deemed most important by voters - health, crime and education - Labour has the highest rating. According to Populus, Tony Blair has an 18-point lead on the NHS, a one-point lead on crime and a seven-point lead on education.

Labour is also considered to have the best policies on Europe, pensionsand social security, transport and international terrorism.

The Conservatives will be concerned that they have failed to profit from Mr Howard's leadership. Tory support has slipped from an average of 34 per cent when Mr Howard took over as leader to an average rating of 31 per cent.

Support for Charles Kennedy is also on a downward trend, dropping from an average of 23 per cent in 2003 to 21 per cent this year. Labour believes middle-class voters who temporarily deserted to the Liberal Democrats in protest at the war are finally returning.

The poll warns that support for the parties remains "soft", with a third of those likely to vote still undecided.