For the first time in four years, the economy is no longer ahead of immigration as the most important issue facing the country
Since the financial crisis of 2009, when asked what the most important issues facing the country are, voters have selected the economy far and away beyond all other issues. Over the past year, as confidence has grown in the recovery, that gap has been narrowing until now the economy is no longer ahead of immigration (traditionally the second most important issue to voters.)
With April and May being the best two months since at least 2011 for approval of the government’s economic management and perceptions of the state of the economy, the latest YouGov research shows that immigration and the economy are now seen as equally important issues facing the country (both chosen by 52%).
At its widest, the gap between these issues was fully 40 percentage points: in October and December 2011, and January 2012.
The finding comes as YouGov records the lowest voting intention (34%) for Labour since July 2010, and finds the Conservatives on par, also with 34%.
Image: Getty
