[Iran Press TV Latest] Amid the UK's grim financial speculations, the Conservative Party has extended its lead over the governing Labour Party. Two surveys conducted by The Observer and The People newspapers showed that the opposition Conservative Party was leading 43 percent to 26 percent in one poll, and 40 percent to 28 percent in the other respectively. The new results come in contrast with last week opinion poll that suggested Prime Minister Gordon Brown's party was gaining public support.
The Labour Party has a parliamentary majority of 63 in the House of Commons. However, it is expected to lose its majority in the elections due by mid 2010.
The Observer speculated that finance minister Alistair Darling's announcement that the British government will be GBP 178 billion (USD 288 billion) in debt for the fiscal year contributed to new support for the Conservative Party. Darling also revealed that there will be an increase in national insurance aid that will exempt the poor, and that the public sector will have to restrict pay raises.
"The polls change around. I think there's a view in the Conservative Party that it's a done deal. Never underestimate the seriousness of the British electorate. As we get closer to the election they will be looking much more closely at the policies of the main parties," Home Secretary Alan Johnson was quoted by the BBC as saying.
Britain's elections are scheduled to take place on May 6, 2010, but Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that he might choose to hold the elections earlier in March.