Carole James' New Democrats are continuing to gain public support at the expense of both Campbell's Liberals and Carr's Greens. The latest Ipsos-Reid poll puts the NDP up 2 points, the BC Liberals down 2 points and the Greens down 1 point relative to their March poll. The poll conducted between May 4th and 10th sampled 800 adult British Columbians. For the 620 decided voters, the poll showed the NDP at 44%, the BC Liberals at 37% and the Greens at 11%.

What is most noteworthy about the poll is that the NDP is tied or ahead in every category. Ipsos-Reid provides breakdowns by region, gender, age, education and income. In March the Liberals enjoyed a 7 point lead amongst those with incomes over $60,000, an 8 point lead amongst those aged 18-34, and a 9 point lead amongst men. The May poll shows the parties tied at 40% amongst male voters, and the NDP 15 points ahead amongst women, 49% NDP to 34% Liberals. Even those earning over $60,000 show 44% support for the NDP compared to 37% for the Liberals.

With a few days less than a year before the next provincial election, the Campbell Liberals appear to have squandered the largest lead in BC's history. On election night they won all but 2 seats and enjoyed 58% of the vote compared to the NDP's 22%. Three years later they have offended almost half of those who supported them in the last election. A lot can happen in the next year, but it is hard to see how the Campbell government can shake its mean spirited reputation as it continues to implement service cuts. Broken promises and failed schemes have left many questioning their competence.