According to a new survey by global research specialists Hall & Partners, just over 2% of people believe that politicians are the most ‘trusted professionals’, lagging behind estate agents (6%), used-car salespeople (5%) and bankers (21%). Lawyers come out top (55%) followed by builders (21%). The latest findings are from ukNOW, Hall & Partners’ nationally representative survey of 2000 people, hot on the heels of the explosive ‘expenses-gate’ scandal.
The survey also reveals that more people trust the US President Barack Obama (24%) to run the country than Prime Minister Gordon Brown (6%), Conservative leader David Cameron (14%) or Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg (3%).
Celebrity culture is far from dead with over half the people polled saying that a celebrity would do as good a job as a politician in running the country; Sir Alan Sugar is the clear frontrunner (25%) followed by actress Joanna Lumley (17%). Esther Rantzen, the TV presenter proposing to stand as an independent ‘anti-sleaze’ candidate – polled 6% of the vote.
In light of these findings, Hall & Partners European CEO, Deborah Mills, said: “The results suggest that a dark shadow continues to loom over Westminster. Thanks to ukNOW, Hall & Partners can give a valuable insight and illuminating snapshot of what people think of the popular culture and political issues of the day.”