BOOST FOR CAMERON IN NATION’S CONVERSATIONS

David Cameron takes a boost from trends in the nation’s popular conversations into the final days of election campaigning, according to new statistics.

The weekly TalkingPoint ‘positive conversation’ index saw the number of Brits having a positive conversation about the Conservative leader increase from 17 per cent last week to 21 per cent this week (+4).

While Nick Clegg remains out in front, the number of positive conversations about the Lib Dem leader continues to slide – to 27 per cent (-3) – after hitting a high after the first TV debate.

“Bigotgate” put a dampener on Gordon Brown's previously climbing ratings with the number of people having a positive conversation about the Labour leader fall slightly (14 per cent, -1).

Yet “bigotgate” and the final TV debate may have a positive impact on turnout with 71 per cent of Brits discussing the election in the last week (+7 week on week) – meaning almost as many people discussed the election as who discussed the weather (73 per cent).

TalkingPoint, is a new tool developed by Band & Brown Communications to track conversations about brands, products and people. Weekly polling of more than 2,000 people is conducted by ICM.

Commenting on the data, Fiona Longhurst, Planning Director at Band & Brown, said:
“We’ve seen positive conversations around brand Clegg define the chatter circulating this election.  But for the first time in the campaign, the totally unanticipated buzz Clegg has generated since the first leaders’ debate is no longer tracking at around double that of his rivals.
 
“Whether its talk about the latest iPad or the election, conversations are a natural precursor to decision-making. These conversations will be helping the population in their deliberations before Thursday – and will undoubtedly contribute towards their ultimate voting decision.
 
“Talking Point gives us an ear to the nation’s conversations every week giving timely insight on the brands, products and people that are driving interest and debate in all corners of the country.”