Women are reluctant to vote in the general election because they do not trust Tony Blair, according to new research.

The survey of 4,000 women by Ivillage UK, a website aimed at women, found them to be "disillusioned" with politics and deterred from backing Labour because of the Iraq war.

The poll found that almost a third of those who had decided not to vote were planning to stay at home "because they no longer trust the government".

Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat chief, was seen as the most sincere and consistent of the party leaders.