The influential business newspaper Financial Times which had supported the Labour party during the last four elections, has openly declared its support for the Conservative party in the May 6 elections.
The political leanings of most British newspapers are known, but open declarations of support before elections is seen as vital to the fortunes of political parties.
The Rupert Murdoch—owned mass circulation tabloid, The Sun, declared its support for the Conservative party weeks before the election date was announced.
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The Guardian, usually associated with the Labour party, surprised many last week by declaring its support for the Liberal Democrats on the ground that the latter party was the only one committed to electoral and constitutional reform.
Explaining its decision to endorse the Conservatives, the FT said, “This newspaper still has questions about Mr Cameron and his party. The Tories’ reflexive hostility to Europe, for instance, is worrying, whatever his protestations that he wants a constructive relationship with Brussels“.
It added in an editorial, “His team is young and for the most part untested. Given the opinion polls, it is conceivable that no party will win a clear majority. This need not be a disaster, though Britain’s experience of minority or coalition governments is not reassuring.
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“A perverse result, such as Labour coming third in the vote and winning the most seats, would increase pressure for electoral reform, perhaps irresistibly. But that debate must come after the election.
Britain needs a stable and legitimate government to navigate its fiscal crisis and punch its weight abroad. On balance, the Conservative party best fits the bill”.