The Liberal Democrats have beaten Labour in a recent poll of 30 vital swing seats across the country, the Telegraph reports. The poll puts the Conservatives on 41%, with the Liberal Democrats at 18%, and Labour trailing with 17%. The newspaper reports that a poll of the same area just a year ago had Labour 6 points ahead of the Tories instead of 24 behind, and beaten into third place.

The newspapers and TV news reports have been filled, over the past few days, about plots and coups in the Labour cabinet. Possible contendors David Miliband and Jack Straw have had to make embarassing statements backing the failing prime minister. One wonders how long he can stay on. Reports have been flying about cabinet members talking to journalists in secret, without revealing their names, saying that Brown has to go. Reports, too, about secret "ultimatums" betweenCabinet members and Gordon Brown.

Local Liberal Democrat, and Parliamentry Candidate for Northampton North Andrew Simpson reports on his website how support for Gordon Brown has dropped to just 8%. Also, 83% of people thought the country was going in the wrong direction.

"It just shows how far out of touch Labour has now become from the people, it is very difficult to see how, even with a possible new leader, they have any chance of recovering."
- Andrew Simpson

His shocking economic record speaks for itself. The Times reports of secret plots from Cabinet Members, and claims that Gordon Brown's time is now "measured in weeks". Of course, it goes without saying that if there are any secret plots, that Cabinet Members have been lying directly to the people.

Labour are in absolute meltdown. Their mismanagement and unpopularity have been clear for months, but their infighting has just started. Perhaps Gordon Brown will be persuaded to step down, or publicly deposed, or perhaps he'll lead the party for another two years. What's certain is that he won't be prime minister after the next election.

Update (28th July): The Telegraph reports a follow up on the story. Brown may or may not be safe from his cabinet collegues, but he is apprantly not safe from his other MPs, 30 of which are composing a letter to the cabinet to ask them to force a leadership election. The page also quotes a new poll, saying the Government's record is dissaproved of by 70%, while 74% are dissatisfied with Mr Brown's performance as Prime Minister. Quite what 30 and 26% of the country are thinking is rather beyond us.