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Miliband's Post-Show Bounce Sees Poll Lead

Labour has taken a four-point lead in the first major poll since the TV battle between Ed Miliband and David Cameron.

The YouGov survey for the Sunday Times put Labour on 36%, ahead of the Tories on 32%. UKIP sits on 13%, the Liberal Democrats on 8% and "others" on 11%.

The snap polls immediately after Thursday's Battle For Number 10 programme had David Cameron as the winner, but this latest study conducted over two days suggests Mr Miliband is the one enjoying a post-show bounce.

Of those who saw the TV programme shown on Sky News and Channel 4, 49% thought Mr Miliband came across best to Mr Cameron's 34%. Asked which leader was most honest and clear in their answers Mr Miliband stayed on 49%, but Mr Cameron dropped to 28%.

There was muted response from both sides on Saturday night.

Speaking to Sky's Murnaghan programme, the vice-chairwoman of Labour's campaign, Lucy Powell, said: "Polls go up and down, so we don't get disheartened when they go down and we don't get buoyed when they go up."

The Prime Minister's spokesman said polls were "all over the place", pointing out that the latest Opinium study had them leading.

Mr Miliband's spokesman said: "Polls will move up and down during the campaign but we welcome the opportunity to make our case directly to the public."

The study would see a 6% swing to Labour, which could get them close to a majority. But it's still apparent that the SNP vote would eat into it, leaving no clear winner.

Mr Cameron made a direct attack on Mr Miliband in a speech on Saturday, saying the Labour leader didn't have what it takes to be Prime Minister.

But, as the short campaign kicks off on Monday with the dissolution of Parliament, it is all still in the balance as to which of them will be able to form the next government come 8 May.