The UK public sees the “moral character” of candidates standing in the General Election as highly significant, a new poll suggests.

A Savanta poll of 2,000 adults for CARE asked UK adults’ if they agree that the moral character of candidates is a “major factor in their suitability for political office”.

More than 7 in 10 respondents (76 per cent) agreed with the statement, three per cent of respondents disagreed, and 16 per cent said they neither agreed nor disagreed.

Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE, commented:

“People rightly expect their politicians to model integrity, accountability, and moral decency. When politicians do so, this leads to better outcomes, and aids societal flourishing

“The opposite is also true, and the various scandals of recent years have shown the dire consequences of politicians failing to live up to the high standards expected of them.”

Mr Hendry added:

“Christianity has shaped our society in profound ways over the centuries and provides the moral basis for our democratic way of life, justice system, and welfare state.

“We believe that upholding Christian values is vitally important if we are to realise a just and compassionate society in years to come, and we will be making the case to MPs.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Savanta polled 2,054 UK adults on behalf of CARE. A full data table is available on request.

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives.

Contact us: press@care.org.uk