Harriet Harman is the voter’s choice for the next Deputy Leader of the Labour party a new YouGov poll of over 2200 voters shows today. Harman beat all her competitors on recognition, being trustworthy, being in touch with family life and, crucially, on making people more likely to vote Labour.

With 65 nominations from MPs and 60 nominations from Constituency Labour Parties, Harman is in poll position as ballot papers go out this week. Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said: ‘I’m supporting Harriet because it’s vital to win as wide support as possible if we’re going to win a record 4th term.’

Harman is easily the candidate most likely to be seen as in touch with family life. 33% of the population, and 37% of women agree that she is ‘in touch with family life’ – more than twice the score of her nearest rival. Harriet is seen as most in touch by both more middle class ABC1 voters and Labour’s heartland C2DE voters. Conservative leader David Cameron has challenged Labour on the family in his attempt to win women’s votes. It is crucial for Labour to have a family champion to retain its status as the party of the family. 

Harman was also the candidate rated most trustworthy. She topped the poll with 23% of people rating her as trustworthy, compared to 20% for Hilary Benn, 13% for Peter Hain, 12% for Alan Johnson and Hazel Blears and 9% for John Cruddas

Harman is the candidate who is most likely to make people vote Labour. One in five women said that Harriet would make them most likely to vote Labour, with Hilary Benn on 11% and the other candidates in single figures.  Looking at the population as a whole, Harriet is also in first place, on 17% compared to 12% for Hilary Benn, 11% for Peter Hain with the others in single figures. She scores highest in all age groups, social classes, and is top or joint top in the North East, North West, Yorkshire, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the East of England, the South East, the South West and Scotland.

Over 20 years of campaigning as an MP has lead to Harman being one of the most popular and recognised figures in the Labour Party. Sixty-five per cent of the public recognise Harman, compared to just 46% for Peter Hain, 42% for Alan Johnson, 39% for Hazel Blears and 31% for Hilary Benn.John Cruddas scores just 7% on recognition.

For further information contact Scarlett MccGwire on 07931 590876

Fieldwork was carried out online between 29th and 31st May. Total sample size was 2297 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

The full question wording was:

Q1. John Prescott is stepping down as deputy leader of the Labour party at the end of June. Below is a list of candidates standing for election to replace him.

Which of them do you recognise? 

- Hilary Benn

- Hazel Blears

- Harriet Harman

- Peter Hain

- Alan Johnson

- Jon Cruddas

- None of the Above

Q2. Which do you think would make you more likely to vote Labour?

-  Hilary Benn

- Hazel Blears

- Harriet Harman

- Peter Hain

- Alan Johnson

-Jon Cruddas

- None of the Above

Q3. Which do you think is in touch with family life?

- Hilary Benn

- Hazel Blears

- Harriet Harman

- Peter Hain

- Alan Johnson

- Jon Cruddas

- None of the Above

Q4. Which do you think is trustworthy?

-  Hilary Benn

-  Hazel Blears

-  Harriet Harman

-  Peter Hain

-  Alan Johnson

- Jon Cruddas

-  None of the Above

The order in which the names were presented was randomised.

Polling of women: