Tories lead gone

Stuff reports:

British Prime Minister Theresa May’s gamble on a snap election was under question after the latest opinion polls showed her Conservative Party’s lead was dwindling just a week before voting begins.

Failure to win the June 8 election with a large majority would weaken May just as formal Brexit talks are due to begin while the loss of her majority in parliament would pitch British politics into turmoil.

On Thursday (Friday NZ Time), in the strongest signal yet that the election is much closer than previously thought, May’s lead has collapsed from 24 points since she surprised both rivals and financial markets on April 18 by calling the election.

Their bungled Budget has hurt them badly. There is a real possibility now of a hung Parliament which would mean a very weak Government negotiating with the EU increasing the chance of leaving with no deal.