We want an election, say voters

Two out of three voters say the PM should go to the country

Voters want to see a General Election sooner rather than later, a Daily Politics poll has found.

When asked if the PM should call an election at the earliest possible opportunity, 65% agreed, compared with 33% who did not.

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, according to the opinion poll conducted for the BBC2 programme, broadcast on Friday lunchtime.

People polled from the lower social group, DE, are more critical of MPs than people from the higher social group, AB.

FULL POLL RESULTS Download the full poll Most computers open these documents automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader. Download the reader here

Some 73% of social class DE said in the 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.

There will be elections for MEPs on 4 June - the same day as local elections for shire counties in England, outside the metropolitan areas.

FULL RESULTS:

1. Over recent weeks there have been a series of media stories about MPs' expenses and allowances. In light of this, do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

a. Gordon Brown should call a General Election at the earliest possible opportunity.

Agree 65%

Disagree 33%

Don't know 2%

b. MPs named and shamed in the newspapers over their expense claims should be forced to stand down from parliament.

Agree 64% (by social class: AB - 51%, C1 - 64%, C2 - 69%, DE - 73%)

Disagree 34%

Don't know 2%

2. Do the revelations about MPs' expenses make you more or less likely to vote in the forthcoming European elections on 4th June?

More likely 25%

Less likely 28%

Makes no difference 47%

Don't know 1%

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

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