Tories cling to poll lead

The Tories are clinging on to their double-digit lead over Labour, according to a poll published today.

The ICM survey for the Sunday Mirror found the Conservatives still 11 points ahead of Labour - suggesting talk of a 2009 general election may be premature.

There has been a flurry of speculation that Gordon Brown could go to the country next year after a poll put the Tories only three points clear.

It was welcome news for Labour, who trailed David Cameron's Conservatives by up to 23 points during the summer

But today's poll suggested the Tories, despite losing some ground, have so far maintained a significant lead.

It put the Conservatives on 42% (down one since last month), Labour on 31% (up one) and the Liberal Democrats on 19% (up one).

The Prime Minister sought yesterday to shut down talk of a snap election next year, insisting reports he was considering going to the polls on June 4 could be discounted.

Without actually ruling out any particular date for a poll, Mr Brown insisted he was "not thinking about anything else" other than the economy.

:: ICM interviewed a random sample of 1,010 adults by telephone on November 19 and 20, weighting results to the profile of all adults.

Asked whether there was going to be a general election next year, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show: "Not that I've heard of."

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Vince Cable thought a 2009 poll was unlikely.

"I don't think it's likely but we are ready for an election at any time," he said.

Tory leader David Cameron repeated his challenge to Gordon Brown to go to the polls.

Asked whether the Prime Minister was thinking of a snap election Mr Cameron told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show: "I have no idea, I'm not a soothsayer.

"All I know is I am ready for an election at any time. That's what you have to be in opposition.

"I've called for an election at all times, I'm always calling for an election. I get out of bed and call for an election and I'm always ready for an election.

"I think this country is desperate for change. You cannot borrow your way out of a borrowing crisis."