Liberal lead solidifies as pollsters predict significant voter shift underway

OTTAWA – The battle lines for the next federal election could very well be taking shape as a new poll suggests Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have solidified their lead over the governing Conservatives.

Taken in the aftermath of last week’s four federal byelections, The Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey indicates Liberal support is at 34 per cent, down slightly from the 37 per cent recorded the week before.

The Conservatives are hovering at a consistent 26 per cent, while New Democrats putter along at 24 per cent.

Pollster Allan Gregg says the latest numbers not only reinforce the split byelection results last Monday, but demonstrate a significant shift is underway in terms of both the Conservatives and Liberals.

He says traditional Liberals — the so-called professional class and women — are returning to the fold, while stalwart Conservatives — men and rural voters — appear to be wavering and expressing disappointment with the Harper government.

Gregg says some of the disenchantment might be related to the Senate spending scandal, but he believes the trend is more long-term and could lead into the next election in 2015.