MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK opinion poll suggests most voters feel “anyone” is better than PM Brown

M Brown is considered a liability for a majority of Labour supporters

A United Kingdom public opinion poll has suggested nearly half of voters believe any Labour figure could do a better job as leader than Prime Minister Gordon Brown. According to a Populus survey for The Times, 48% think that “literally anyone” from within the party would be an improvement.

Some 61% regarded the Prime Minister as a liability, compared with 34% who considered him an asset.

However, the public seemed unsure about exactly who might take over from Mr Brown. Only 17% could name a better alternative.

Most popular was Foreign Secretary David Miliband, backed by 13%, followed by Commons Leader Harriet Harman on 7% and, both on 6%, Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

Going into the final annual party conference season before the next general election, Labour support was on 27%, up one point since mid-July.

The Tories were up three on 41% and the Liberal Democrats down two on 18%.