Lib Dems Out of Step with British Public

The fascinating feature of the Lib Dems' recent surge in the polls is that research indicates many of Nick Clegg's policies are at odds with the attitudes of the British public.

We have some of the most detailed research on the country's social attitudes. It shows that on only two of the seven key indicators, the Liberal Democrat approach reflects the national mood.

This means that much of their newfound popularity may actually be more of a popularity vote for Nick Clegg in the wake of the first television debate. It may also confirm suspicions that the public are moving towards the Liberal Democrats as a result of the "anti-politics" mood sweeping this country – rather than an endorsement of the party's policies.