Brown's standing as best leader in a recession slips

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A survey found the number of people describing him as the best leader in a recession had fallen from 52 per cent to 42 in a fortnight.

At the same time David Cameron was up four points to 36 per cent - and, crucially, Mr Cameron was ahead by 41 to 33 as the leader to take the economy forward after the next election.

The Populus survey in the Times was taken after Monday's pre-Budget report, which was meant to bolster the Government's dominance of economic issues. However, it appears that public shock at the scale of borrowing - with debt doubling to more than a trillion pounds - and controversy over future tax rises have damaged ministers. Only a third of people surveyed thought the mini-budget, which will inject a £20billion temporary stimulus, would make things better and more than half thought the new 45p top rate of tax marked the end of New Labour. Two fifths thought it an attack on aspiration and enterprise.

More than half (54 per cent) said they would save any money gained from tax cuts while 28 per cent said they would use it to pay bills.

A previous poll taken since the PBR showed Labour catching up with the Conservatives.

Mr Cameron's lead was down from 20 points in the summer to just four points in the YouGov survey.