Anti-austerity unpopular with voters, finds inquiry into Labour's election loss

Independent review shows abiding concern over economic deficit, and may fuel doubt about policies of Labour leadership frontrunner Jeremy Corbyn

Polling undertaken for an independent review being led by Jon Cruddas, the Labour MP and former coordinator of the party's 2015 manifesto, shows Britain's voters do not back an anti-austerity message but instead believe the country must live within its means and make cutting the deficit its top priority.

The findings, given to the Guardian, are likely to make difficult reading for those that say Labour's path to electoral recovery lies in the party adopting a stronger anti-austerity stance than in the run-up to this year's election.

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