Ukip has maintained its recent surge and now commands 20% of the national vote, according to the latest Observer/Opinium poll.
Nigel Farage's party is now just nine points behind the Conservatives with less than a fortnight to go before council and European elections.
Labour, on 33% (-1 point compared to a fortnight ago), has stretched its lead to four points lead over the Tories (who are down three points). Low scores for both the main parties suggest Ukip (up two points) is draining votes from the two biggest established parties. The Lib Dems are up two points on 9%.
Ukip's score of 20% is its highest since last summer's Opinium record of 21% and suggests voters have not been deterred in large numbers by a series of gaffes and claims that some of its members are racists.
oters were also asked about their view on coalition government after four years of joint Tory/Lib Dem rule.
There was strong single-party government support, with 55% saying it is better for Britain, compared with 15% who prefer a coalition.
In the event of no single party winning a majority, however, only 18% of voters said they thought the largest party should form a minority government. Some 35% thought a coalition would be better while 30% believed another election should be held.
Ukip's score of 20% is its highest since last summer's Opinium record of 21% and suggests voters have not been deterred in large numbers by a series of gaffes and claims that some of its members are racists
Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 1,997 UK adults from 7 to 9 May 2014. Results have been weighted to nationally weighted criteria.
Posted: Sat May 10, 2014 8:02 pm