More than 40 per cent of ePolitix.com readers believe the next election will result in a hung parliament.

A survey shows many believe that neither Labour nor the Conservatives will win an overall majority, leading to a situation not experienced at Westminster since 1974.

While 41 per cent of those who took part in the March poll thought a hung parliament was the most likely outcome, 25 per cent predicted a Labour majority and 33 per cent a win for the Conservatives.

Research has suggested that boundary changes make the prospect of a hung parliament more likely, while Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg recently indicated the terms under which his party might form an administration with one of the main parties.

The poll also shows a majority of respondents believe that Ken Livingstone will win May's London mayoral elections.

Some 55 per cent said they thought Livingstone, the Labour incumbent, would stay in City Hall, while 35 per cent said they thought Conservative candidate Boris Johnson would win.

About four per cent predicted Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Paddick would cause an upset and triumph.

The site's subscribers also believe the government is in for a rough ride when the controversial Counter-Terrorism Bill has its second reading in the Commons on April 1.

While 41 per cent believe the government will win a vote on measures including extending the pre-charge detention limit beyond 28 days, slightly more - 43 per cent - think it will be defeated.

Respondents also believe MPs should be given a free vote on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, with 77 per cent backing the move and 14 per cent saying it should be whipped.

There was also support for the government's indication that it is prepared to force supermarkets to reduce their use of plastic bags, with 77 per cent backing the move and 20 per cent opposing it.

The online poll of 506 ePolitix.com subscribers was conducted from March 17-19. For more information, please contact