TIMES ONLINE: David Cameron and Nick Clegg ended up neck and neck in the final debate, leaving Gordon Brown trailing well behind in third place, according to a Populus online poll for The Times.
The poll, of 1,929 voters who watched last night’s debate, confirms that the Tories have the initiative in the campaign, but the Lib Dems will be delighted that Mr Clegg has held up his level of support for the second week, following his victory a fortnight ago.
Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg were seen as winners by 38 per cent, similar to last week’s 37/36 per cent margin. Mr Brown was seen as the winner by just 25 per cent, against 27 per cent in the second debate. The figures have been rounded up to the nearest point.
The dead heat contrasts with other polls which show Mr Cameron as the winner over Mr Clegg by 2 to 9 points. Mr Clegg is ahead as the leader most of those questioned would most like to see as Prime Minister, by 38 per cent, just ahead of Mr Cameron on 37 per cent. The two were level last week. The Lib Dems may benefit most, with 15 per cent saying they are more likely to vote for the party. Some 16 per cent say they are more likely to vote Tory, and 9 per cent to vote Labour. Mr Clegg remains the most likeable of the three leaders, >>> Peter Riddell | Friday, April 30, 2010
