Politicstoriesuk news2015 general election

7 Reasons Why Ed Miliband Is On Course For Defeat In 2015

7 Reasons Why Ed Is On Course For Defeat In 2015
Asa Bennett
|
Open Image Modal
PURFLEET, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Ed Miliband, the leader of the Labour Party, addresses an audience at 'The Backstage Centre' on May 27, 2014 in Purfleet, England. Mr Miliband spoke on his strategy for rebuilding trust in politics following the local council and European elections which saw a surge in support for the UK Independence Party. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Oli Scarff via Getty Images

Despite recent criticism over his policies and his botched conference speech, Ed Miliband's supporters are convinced that he has what it takes and is still on course for victory in 2015.

They point to his principles, his integrity and the fact that David Cameron couldn't beat Gordon Brown and win a majority in 2010. The recent Tory lead in the polls, after four years of Labour being ahead, is a mere post-conference bounce, they confidently claim.

See also: 7 Reasons Why Ed Miliband Is On Course For Victory In 2015

But are they in denial? Here are seven reasons why the Labour leader might find his path to No. 10 blocked next May.

7 Reasons Why Ed Miliband Should Be Worried About The 2015 General Election
Dave has the advantage of incumbency(01 of06)
Open Image Modal
Cameron was denied a majority in 2010, but still succeeded in turfing Gordon Brown out of Downing Street through some shrewd negotiating with the Lib Dems. He is THE prime minister, looks prime ministerial and goes into the next election with the advantage of incumbency. Voters tend to give even weak elected prime ministers more than one shot (see John Major 1992 and Harold Wilson 1966). (credit:Arrow Press/EMPICS Entertainment )
Miliband would have to match Maggie... (02 of06)
Open Image Modal
No party has come back into government after just one term of opposition since 1979, when Margaret Thatcher beat Jim Callaghan. (credit:Joanna Kiyoné/Flickr)
Can voters really imagine Ed as PM?(03 of06)
Open Image Modal
Miliband routinely does worse than Cameron in polls asking who voters imagine would be the best Prime Minister, so it seems the Labour leader is failing the "blink test" of looking like a potential PM. And the right-wing media coverage of "weird Ed" and "red Ed" doesn't help him either. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ed can't take Nick's voters for granted(04 of06)
Open Image Modal
A Lib-Dem meltdown could see voters, according to research, drift to the Tories, not just Labour. (credit:Olivia Harris/PA Wire)
It's the economy, stupid(05 of06)
Open Image Modal
With the coalition already trumpeting the economic recovery, their poll lead can only soar as people's pay packets start to recover. Plus, Labour has struggled to win over big business. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
And Nigel could take some of Ed's votes too(06 of06)
Open Image Modal
Ukip's strongest support often comes from older working classvoters, who tend to vote Labour. A recent Fabian Society pamphlet also suggests that Ukip poses a threat to the Opposition in certain Labour marginals. (credit:FREDERICK FLORIN via Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip