BBC Daily Politics Expenses Poll

 Public opinion poll conducted for BBC Daily Politics.

Date Published: 14 May 2009

Categories: Energy | Media | Politics | Public and communities | Technology & Telecoms | UK

Description

Daily Politics Expenses Poll 15 May 2009

About two thirds of the British people believe Gordon Brown should call a General Election as early as possible, according to an Opinion Poll conducted for BBC2's Daily Politics programme, to be broadcast today at 12:00pm.

When asked in the poll if they thought Gordon Brown should call a General Election at the earliest possible opportunity, 65% agreed, compared with 33% who disagreed.

The poll also asked whether MPs named and shamed in the newspapers over their expense claims should be forced to stand down from Parliament. Again about two thirds (64%) agreed, compared with 34% who disagreed. 

People polled from the lower social group, DE, are more critical of MPs than people from the higher social group, AB.  73% of social class DE said in our poll that MPs named and shamed in the newspapers over their expense claims should be forced to stand down from Parliament compared with 51% from social class AB.

And on the possible effect on turnout, 28% of those polled said they were less likely to vote in the forthcoming European Elections because of the revelations about MPs' expenses.  However, 25% said they were more likely to vote. 47% said it would make no difference.

The poll was conducted for BBC2's Daily Politics programme by ComRes.  They spoke to 1,011 voters between 13th and 14th May 2009.