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Lib Dems would win general election if it was held now, according to poll

The next PM? Liberal Democrat's Jo Swinson who were launch her leadership campaign today as the party tops an opinion poll (Photo by WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto)
The next PM? Liberal Democrat's Jo Swinson who launched her leadership campaign today as the party tops an opinion poll (Photo by WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto)

The Lib Dems are now the most popular party in the country, according to an extraordinary new opinion poll.

The traditional third largest party would win a general election if it was held now, YouGov research showed.

The Lib Dems, which backs Britain staying in the EU, are polling at 24%, the largest of any party.

Nigel Farage’s newly-established Brexit Party are second on 22%, showing how the issue of the European Union continues to split the country.

It is only the second time that a YouGov poll has not had Conservatives or Labour in first place.

They both polled 19%.

The Greens are also showing a surge in support nationally, with eight percent.

The Lib Dem surge, reflecting their good showing at last week’s European elections, comes as it prepares for a leadership election.

Deputy leader Jo Swinson has said she will stand to replace Vince Cable, who announced he was quitting earlier this year.

She launched her campaign today and is the bookies’ favourite. Ms Swinson has promised to lead a movement that will tackle “nationalism and populism”.

She will be challenged by Sir Ed Davey (right)  (Photo by Isabel Infantes / AFP)
She will be challenged by Sir Ed Davey (right) (Photo by Isabel Infantes / AFP)

She will be be challenged by former Cabinet minister, Sir Ed Davey. The new leader will be in place by July 23.

Speaking on Question Time on Thursday, the East Dunbartonshire MP said: “I happen to think that this country is crying out for a liberal movement that will challenge the forces of nationalism and populism, and the Liberal Democrats need to be at the heart of that movement and I’m the person to lead it.”

However, despite the good poll showing, YouGov’s Chris Curtis cautioned against the Lib Dems getting too carried away.

Nigel Farage's Brexit Party are now the second most popular party, according to the poll (Photo by Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Nigel Farage's Brexit Party are now the second most popular party, according to the poll (Photo by Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

He said: “The Cleggmania of 2010 faded fast, with the party falling back in the final weeks of the campaign and ending up with just 1% more of the vote than they had won five years prior.”

Ms Swinson’s rival for the leadership launched his campaign with a plan to call on the Queen to stop a no-deal Brexit.

Sir Ed said he would propose a “cross-party humble address to Her Majesty, requiring the Prime Minister to revoke Article 50 if we got to the cliff edge.

If approved, humble addresses are considered to be binding on the House.

– YouGov surveyed 1,736 British adults on May 28-29.

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