Top elections experts say there is a 'real possibility' of Labour being kicked out of office at the next General Election.
The prediction comes after researchers at Essex University were handed £917,000 to carry out a study of the next election - tipped for summer next year.
Prof Paul Whiteley, who is leading the team, says the Tories have a chance to deny Labour a historic third victory.
He said: "It looks like the next election will be a closely-fought battle, unlike the 2001 vote, which was a one-horse race.
"There is a real possibility the Conservatives could oust Tony Blair's beleaguered government."
The Essex team will carry out surveys before and after the election to study trends in voters' behaviour.
The study has been running since 1963. The internet will be used for the first time, alongside face-to-face surveys.
Further reaction to the voting in our Elections news section
Published Friday June 11, 2004
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