Voters see no credible alternative for PM

Despite taking a battering on Iraq, Tony Blair is still seen by voters as the only credible Prime Minister, according to an opinion poll published today.

A survey carried out for The Times showed that while renewed divisions with Gordon Brown had thrown a shadow over the Labour Party's conference in Brighton, they still prefer him to Michael Howard.

Almost two thirds of voters (64 per cent) who took part in the Populus poll do not believe that Mr Blair has been a good Prime Minister overall, but exactly the same number still prefer him to the Tory leader.

In a worrying development for Mr Blair, only 59 per cent of Labour voters believe he has been a good Prime Minister, a five-point drop since July, while fewer than half are satisfied with the Government. Overall, three quarters are not satisfied with the Government, but 70 per cent still prefer Labour to the Tories.

The highest level of dissatisfaction is among professionals and managers (70 per cent), but 61 per cent still prefer Labour to the Tories.

Meanwhile, a YouGov poll for the Daily Telegraph showed that Labour has broadened its appeal.

Despite the Government's unpopularity over the decision to go to war in Iraq, Labour itself is again ahead in the polls and looks almost certain to win the next election. A recent ICM survey showed Labour ahead in the polls at 35 per cent.

By contrast, the Conservatives recorded 30 per cent while the Liberal Democrats climbed to 25 per cent.

Labour is shown as far more inclusive than Old Labour. Figures show people now identify Labour with a wide crosssection of British society. More than 40 per cent of voters regard the party as being "close" to city-dwellers, professional and business people.