Voters across the country seem to be furious about MPs conducts. Some commentators said that the Labour is taking the biggest hit. But for the following reasons, I believe that the Labour could benefit from the crisis:
1. Voters are now reluctant to vote now because of lack of confidence in politicians of all parties. In other words, the number of people supporting opposition parties has fallen too, a lot. Considering current Labour’s approval ratings, Tories have probably suffered even more.
2. If my impression is correct, election turnout rates tend to be high when voters are not happy with Government, which also means government could benefit from a low turnout election.
3. Gordon Brown’s personal ratings went up during crises in the past: foot and mouth virus scare in 2007, the credit crunch, G20 summit this year. He wouldn’t let go an opportunity like this when all parties in the Parliament are in trouble. I predict that he will do something radical to make himself look good, as he always does.
4. No matter what, Gordon Brown still has time - nearly one year - before the next general election and he can call one when he’s ready - timing will play a more important role this time.
5. The government may have an advantage that other parties don’t have, the support of benefit claimants. Because of the benefit culture in Britain the Labour party have nurtured for a decade, I imagine many claimants would still vote for Labour in order to keep their benefits.