Election fever overtook Britain's foot-and-mouth crisis today after a new poll effectively paved the way for Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair to press ahead with a May 3rd vote.
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Mr Tony Blair
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The survey for
The Times
claims that despite the livestock virus ravaging vast parts of the countryside, the Labour Party has a 19-point lead over the Conservatives.
The survey showed Labour support on 50 per cent, unchanged since late February and the early days of the outbreak.
Conservative support was up one point at 31 per cent. The Liberal Democrats were unchanged on 14 per cent.
Mr Blair is expected to decide this weekend whether a national vote should be added to the local council elections already scheduled for May 3rd.
He is under pressure from farmers' leaders and some deputies not to go ahead due to the problems of campaigning in areas virtually sealed off by foot-and-mouth.
To delay an election, Mr Blair said, would send a signal Britain could not cope.
But Tory leader Mr William Hague will urge Blair to abandon any plans to hold an election on May 3rd so the government can focus on fighting foot-and-mouth.
Conservative officials confirmed reports in the Daily Telegraphand Daily Mailthat Mr Hague would use a visit today to one of the worst-hit regions to call for a delay.
AFP