UK ruling party's lead slashed in poll

LONDON, Oct 4 (Reuters) An opinion poll showed the ruling Labour Party's lead slumping to just four points today, raising doubts over whether Prime Minister Gordon Brown will call an early election.

The poll by YouGov for Channel 4 television showed Labour on 40 percentage points to the Conservatives' 36 -- down sharply from an 11-point lead last week. It was the first test of voter sentiment since the opposition Conservatives held their annual conference this week.

REUTERS AM RAI2350