More Cameron woes

There are times when even I almost feel sorry for David Cameron. The timing of a visit to Rwanda seems to have blown up in his face. Leaving aside discontent at home it seems that even Rwandans are wondering what he is doing visiting the African state at a time when constituency is under water.

Interviewed on Rwandan Television earlier today he was asked “What do you have to say about continuing with your visit to Rwanda when part of your constituency is completely devastated by floods?” Cameron did reassure the people of Rwanda that he was in constant contact with his constituency and the he hoped to return there soon.

In the meantime another poll is showing the Tories well behind Labour. A Guardian ICM poll, gives Labour 38% and six-point lead over the conservatives who at 32% are on their lowest share in any ICM poll since Michael Howard was leader. This sort of lead would give Labour comfortable majority at a general election

While Brown is on the rise, Cameron seems to be in growing trouble: 21% of voters say their opinion of him has dropped since Mr Brown took over. Conversely almost one in four Tory voters say their view of Mr Brown has gone up since he took over.

The Lib Dems are on 20%

(999th Post)

A little more schadenfreude

The next one to oppose my grammar school policy get's punched

David Cameron is facing a potential split following the resignation of a Tory frontbencher who resigned after being disciplined for defending 11-plus selection. Senior Tory MPs have rallied behind Graham Brady after he quit as Europe spokesman over the Conservative policy on grammar schools..

In addition a poll in today's Independent indicates that the row over grammar schools has made the Tories look more divided and their lead over Labour has been reduced from nine to four points. The poll puts Labour on 31 per cent, up by four points from 27 last month, and the Conservatives down one point to 35 per cent.

Asked which leader would be able to keep his party united, 40 per cent said Mr Brown and only 37 per cent said Mr Cameron. A similar poll a month ago showed that 64 per cent thought Labour was divided, compared with only 36 per cent who thought the Tories were disunited.

The poll shows that Mr Cameron's hopes of gaining a commanding lead over Labour before Tony Blair hands over to Mr Brown have been dented by the dispute. The "Brown bounce" has also raised questions about the leadership of Sir Menzies Campbell with the Liberal Democrats down three points to 19.

But the personal rating of the two main leaders will come as the most worrying blow for Mr Cameron. Asked who would make the best Prime Minister, 40 per cent said Mr Brown and 32 per cent said Mr Cameron.