More than six in 10 voters in the North of England would back a government of national unity while the coronavirus crisis continues, a new survey has found.
It would mean Conservatives and Labour working together. New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would be given a senior role in the Government - possibly becoming Deputy Prime Minister - and some other members of Labour's Shadow Cabinet would also be given roles.
MPs from the two parties would be expected to support the Government, when votes take place in the Commons.
Other parties, such as the SNP and Liberal Democrats, would also be involved.
A poll by YouGov found 64% of people in the North would support a Government of national unity "in which representatives from all the main political parties form agovernment together, for the duration of the COVID-19(coronavirus) crisis". It found 16% would be opposed.
The UK had a coalition government from 2010 to 2015, with a Conservative Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister.
The last true government of national unity was during the second world war, when Labour leader Clement Attlee was Deputy Prime Minister in the government led by Conservative Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
The poll was taken after Sir Keir was elected Labour leader.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, in one of his last acts before standing down, publicly warned his successor against forming a government of national unity.
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