Party tops the poll with women voters

The Liberal Democrats are the only major political party more popular with women than men, new research claimed today.

A poll showed the party's vote share among women is close to that achieved by the SDP in the Eighties.

However, the Mori poll, for the Fawcett Society, showed the growth in support is coming from groups that traditionally vote Tory, and there is growing evidence that they may return to the Conservatives.

The poll also showed the Lib-Dems were failing to make inroads in Labour's core female vote. It found 18- to 24-year-old women and working-class women were least likely to vote Lib-Dem.

Dr Katherine Rake, the Fawcett Society's director, said: "The Liberal Democrats need to look at prioritising policy issues of particular concern to women, such as childcare.

"Their poor record on female representation will only distance women voters."