Elections and public opinion: The end of the honeymoon?

Various indicators of the state of electoral opinion during the year 2000 are examined. Opinion polls show that Labour's lead remained large until protest over fuel taxes resulted in a sharp decline in popularity. The crisis was short-lived and polls reverted to normal. Labour was less popular in local government elections. Standing as an Independent, Ken Livingstone easily defeated Labour's candidate for the London mayor and the party tied with the Conservatives London Assembly seats. In other local elections the Conservatives recorded significant gains. The results from by-elections were mixed. Labour successfully defended seats at parliamentary by-elections, while the Conservatives lost one of their safest seats to the Liberal Democrats. Local government by-elections were more favourable to the Conservatives with the party recording significant gains over the year, largely at the expense of Labour and the Liberal Democrats.