One in two members of the British electorate see Jo Swinson in an “unfavourable” light following her appearance in the BBC Question Time leaders’ special, according to a new poll.
The Liberal Democrat leader has seen her popularity collapse amongst the public with just 19 per cent regarding her positively.
It comes after a separate poll, conducted by Best for Britain found her lead in East Dunbartonshire had been cut to just 1.4 per cent over the SNP.
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The figures, released by Ipsos Mori, came after Ms Swinson was grilled on her voting record, the Lib Dems record in coalition government and their plans to stop Brexit by audience members in Sheffield.
Over 1,100 adults answered the poll, which assesses the favourability of candidates on a weekly basis.
Ms Swinson’s popularity in the period from November 22-26 was down five per cent on the previous measure taken a week earlier.
The party’s popularity also took a knock, with 49 per cent now having a negative view of the Lib Dems - up from 42 per cent a week earlier.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage also saw their popularity shrink by three and two per cent respectively.
However, Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn experienced a rise after his appearance on the programme, with favourability towards the party leader rising from 33 to 36 per cent.
Ipsos MORI research director Keiran Pedley said: “It’s been a tough week for the Lib Dems, with Jo Swinson seeing her personal favourability ratings fall significantly, driven by falling favourability among Remain rather than Leave voters.”
READ MORE: LibDem leader Jo Swinson heckled over austerity by student in Glasgow
“Meanwhile, Labour sees the proportion of GB adults saying that the party is having a good campaign steadily improve over time.”
He added: “In this context, Labour will be optimistic that they can continue to squeeze the Lib Dem vote share in voting intention polls and close the gap with the Conservatives somewhat.
“However, whether they can do so enough to prevent a Conservative majority at this election remains to be seen.”
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