Tories take lead over Labour - poll

The Tories have doubled their opinion poll lead over the Labour Party, in a further blow to Prime Minister Gordon Brown's leadership.

The latest YouGov survey for a newspaper put David Cameron's party on 43 percent compared to 33 percent for Labour. The Liberal Democrats, under new leader Nick Clegg, are on 14 percent.

But despite the victory, Cameron said: "There is a big mountain for us to climb. We have still got a long way to go."

Brown's government has been plagued by problems including a crisis at mortgage lender Northern Rock and the loss of half the population's personal data.

They have also been at the centre of the donations row, after Work and Pensions and Welsh Secretary Mr Hain failed to declare £103,000 of donations to the party.

The Conservative leader warned Peter Hain's "time will be up" if he fails to answer all questions and explain himself on the matter.

Meanwhile, Mr Cameron defended shadow chancellor George Osborne, who is accused of not properly declaring £487,000.

He said that it was a "completely different" matter, as Mr Osborne had declared the money to the Electoral Commission.

Mr Cameron said the party had sought advice on whether to also declare the money to the members' register - and been advised it was not necessary.

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