Trust in Tories to grow economy slumps, says poll

'Winter of discontent' sees Tories lose their poll lead on economic trust

- Nicholas Cecil

THE Conservatives' reputation as the best party for economic growth has nosedived as Britons face a wave of tax hikes and "Winter of Discontent" strikes, a poll revealed today.

The Ipsos survey for the Evening Standard showed 29 per cent naming the Tories as the party they trust most to grow the economy, a fall of 13 points since September, before the mini-budget. The decline in trust saw the Conservatives lose their lead on this question, putting them neck-and-neck with Labour, having been ahead throughout this year and in November 2013 when it was also asked.

The findings come as Britain is being hit by strikes, stealth and other tax rises in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s November autumn statement to stabilise the public finances, and the turmoil sparked by his predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng’s minibudget, said by experts to still be harming the economy.

The poll’s other key findings include: 

The Tories have dropped six points from last month to 23 per cent on Westminster voting intentions, with Labour on 49 per cent, down one point, with the Liberal Democrats up six points to 13.