Notes:  1997 figures are derived from the averages in each year from the question 'how did you vote at the last (1997) election'.  1998-2000 figures from 'how would you vote in a general election tomorrow', for 2001 'how would/did you vote in the 2001 election' and for 2002-2004 'how would/did you vote'.

Comment:  The proportion expressing an intention not to vote was the highest in previous election years(2001), and largely mirrors the extent of support for the green party in mid-term (98-00).  Yet since 2001 the proportion intending not to vote has fallen, with more support being offered to the Green Party, some of these voters appear to turn to the Liberal Democrats, perceived as the least prohibitionist of the main parties. 

The decline in Labour support continued, although in 2001 it increased 5%, in 2002 it fell by over 10% and is now at an all time low.

There is no evidence of a revival in Conservative fortunes, the Tories have been historically unpopular among drug users.