Posted below are the latest numbers for grassroots satisfaction with the shadow cabinet. Most notable is the fall in satisfaction with William Hague. He still remains in third place but Eric Pickles is now the shadow cabinet member with the highest overall satisfaction rating. 86% of members are satisfied and just 11% dissatisfied. He leads the hard-working Chris Grayling by just 1%. These ratings for Pickles and Grayling are a clear sign that the party membership expects industry from the frontbench.
William Hague’s 12% drop may have been a consequence of the pre-Christmas story that he was determined to continue pursuing his outside interests despite reports of pressure from the leadership for a fuller commitment.
Our survey also asked if members agreed that ‘David Cameron needs to order his shadow cabinet to work harder’. 73% agreed with just 15% disagreeing.
George Osborne recovers a good deal of his rating after slumping in November. 62% of members now say they were satisfied with the Shadow Chancellor and 32% dissatisfied.
FULL SHADOW CABINET RATINGS
Satisfied minus dissatisfied for September, November and December 2008 (latest numbers on right)
1,816 party members were surveyed from 22nd to 28th December.