This afternoon’s latest fluid Ashcroft poll has the Tories on 29%, Labour six points clear on 35%, the LibDems on 8% and UKIP on 15%. More interesting are the results of his focus groups in Thurrock and Halifax, which found the Tories are seen as out of touch but sensible,“aggressively” campaigning to sort out the economy. Music to Lynton Crosby’s ears…

Labour meanwhile are seen as weak, confused and dull, and maintains its image as being summed up by miners and “a lazy slob lying on a sofa, beer in hand”.

What could it be about Ed’s refusal to back any cuts, his anti-benefit reform stance and dependency on the unions that give them that impression…