Key Takeaways:
– An exclusive poll for HOAR on Sunday reveals that the Conservative Party needs to unite and cut taxes to have a shot at winning the next general election.
– 51% of voters believe that the Tories are more divided than united.
– Increasing funds for the NHS is the key issue for 52% of voters.
A recent poll conducted exclusively for HOAR on Sunday has revealed that the Conservative Party must unite and cut taxes if they want to stand a chance of winning the next general election. The poll also highlighted that 51% of voters believe that the Tories are more divided than united. In addition, 52% of those surveyed stated that increasing funds for the NHS is their main concern.
The poll results come after a difficult period for Chancellor Rishi Sunak, as his party has been engaged in internal disputes over his Rwanda plan. Tory MPs have argued that the poll findings demonstrate the need for the party to stop fighting among themselves and focus their efforts on the Labour Party.
Jackie Doyle-Price, a former minister, stated that voters are "sick of drama" and will punish the Conservatives at the ballot box unless the party comes together. Other party members have urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to announce more tax cuts in the New Year in order to win back disillusioned voters.
Tories Seen as Divided, Labour Ahead on Key Issues
The Redfield & Wilton poll found that 51% of respondents believe that the Conservative Party is more divided than united when it comes to what they stand for. In contrast, only 29% believe that the party is more united. Conversely, 30% of respondents believe that Labour is more divided, while 43% see the party as more united.
On key issues, the poll puts Labour ahead, including on the economy and immigration, which has traditionally been seen as the party's weak point. However, the poll does not bring good news for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, as 53% of respondents said they wish there was someone else to vote for.
Demands for Tax Cuts and Immigration Reduction
The poll also revealed a strong demand for tax cuts, with 47% of those surveyed supporting a reduction in levies. Only 10% want taxes to be raised, while 27% believe they should remain the same. The majority of respondents, 48%, would like to see Income Tax cut, followed by National Insurance at 36%, council tax at 31%, and VAT at 30%.
Furthermore, the poll shows widespread concern about immigration levels, with 44% of respondents believing that it is too high. Only 34% think that the current level is appropriate. Additionally, 57% of respondents stated that 1.2 million newcomers to the UK is too high if they stay for a year or longer. Two-thirds, or 66%, believe that immigration should be reduced to 100,000 or less.
PM's Priorities Popular, but Sunak Trails Starmer
The poll indicates that the public supports Prime Minister Boris Johnson's five priorities, which include halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, stopping illegal immigration, and cutting NHS waiting lists. When asked to choose the top five issues that could influence their voting decision, respondents ranked increasing NHS funding first and reducing inflation second.
However, the poll also revealed that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is behind Sir Keir Starmer in terms of who would make the best Prime Minister. Only 24% of respondents backed Sunak, while 35% supported the Labour leader.
Party Members Call for Unity and Tax Cuts
Party members have responded to the poll results by calling for unity and tax cuts. Former minister Jackie Doyle-Price said that it is time for the Conservatives to "get serious and come together" to make the country the best it can be. Tory MP Paul Scully echoed this sentiment, stating that voters dislike divided parties and that the party must stop fighting each other and unite. Party chairman Richard Holden acknowledged that being inward-looking is a weakness and emphasized the need for the party to focus on the country.
Jacob Rees-Mogg urged the Prime Minister to announce tax cuts in the New Year, saying that the public wants the government to cut spending and give them their money back. Tory MP John Redwood also emphasized the importance of tax cuts in stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
Philip van Scheltinga, director of research at Redfield & Wilton Strategies, warned that the Conservatives have lost their reputation for lower taxes during this parliament, and cutting taxes in the spring may be too little, too late to win back voters. He also highlighted that divided parties rarely win elections because voters do not know what they are voting for.
