Voters favour Tory health policy

The Conservatives are seen as having the best policies on health and education, according to the latest poll.

Among those who describe health as an important issue for their vote, 25 per cent say the Conservatives have the best policy.

Some 21 per cent take the same view of Labour's policies - a nine per cent swing since the last election and the first time the Tories have come out on top since 1997.

The findings come in an Ipsos MORI quarterly tracking index, published in the FT on Monday.

It shows that 59 per cent of voters disagree with the proposition that Labour's policies will improve public services, while just 31 per cent agree.

The Conservatives were also found to have a 19 per cent lead over Labour on taxation, two per cent on education and the same on protecting the environment.

But Labour has a 12 point lead on the economy, 15 per cent on unemployment and 14 per cent on public transport.

The disillusionment with Labour's health policy will be of most concern to the party.

Health is rated as the second most important issue likely to shape people's votes at the next general election.

Scepticism over the state of the NHS is being triggered by the recent series of headlines about NHS deficits, job cuts, and the potential closures and changes at scores of hospitals.

Sixteen months ago, just after the general election, far more people believed the NHS would get better over the next few years than believed that it would get worse.

But now half the country believes the service will deteriorate over the next few years with only 18 per cent thinking it will get better.