A Kent newspaper publisher KM Group has commissioned a county-wide poll which shows that jobs are the biggest priority for residents ahead of the general election.
The research will form the centrepiece of the group’s election site, Kent Decides, which launches tomorrow.
The economy and jobs polled highest in people’s priorities at 30 per cent, with the NHS second at 25 per cent and immigration third at 24 per cent.
Kent is a strong target area for UKIP with leader Nigel Farage contesting the South Thanet seat and Mark Reckless bidding for re-election in Rochester and Strood.
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Ian Carter, KM Group editorial director, said the survey shows that there is “a lot more to Kent than immigration”.
He said: “This is set to be one of the closest-fought general elections in the county for generations. Whilst Kent has traditionally been true blue, the Ukip factor has changed the dynamics completely.
“However, there are other key issues for the county. This is certainly the largest survey we have ever been involved in, and the results should be fascinating.”
KM Group also surveyed voting intentions. It found UKIP polling at 24 percent in the county, an increase from 6 per cent in the 2010 election, in second place behind the Conservatives on 39 per cent.
Last month some 24 regional newspaper titles published by Trinity Mirror produced “election demands” based on a survey of 18,000 readers around the country.
The poll was conducted by Ashford-based company Facts International, who surveyed 1,000 people across Kent.
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