Tories on course to convincing general elections victory: Poll

LONDON - Britain’s Conservative Party (Tories) appears to be on course for a convincing election victory after a new Daily Telegraph poll showed it leading Labour by 12 points in crucial marginal constituencies.

The poll shows the Conservatives ahead in swing seats. On the eve of tonight’s first ever leaders’ television debate, the most comprehensive survey of swing seats since the campaign began showed David Cameron comfortably ahead.

The Crosby/Textor poll was carried out in 100 marginal seats; 80 held by Labour and 20 by the Liberal Democrats.

According to the poll, 43 per cent of voters said they would vote Conservative, while 31 per cent said they would vote Labour and 20 percent said they would vote Liberal Democrat.

Labour has dropped five points since the 2005 election in these seats, while the Tories have gained seven points, the poll showed.

The results suggest the Conservatives are much more likely to achieve an outright majority at the election than previously thought.

The new poll also predicts that turnout in the marginals is likely to be better than many have predicted with 65 per cent of those questioned saying they would definitely vote.

A high turnout is likely to favour the Conservatives who need to win 117 seats from other parties to secure an overall majority. The party needs a national swing of almost seven per cent to achieve this.

The survey was carried out over four days to yesterday, taking in the launches of the two main party manifestos. (ANI)