FACTBOX - European leaders in eye of financial storm

(Reuters) - European leaders have received a political boost thanks to their handling of the financial crisis, but some face elections and could be punished for the deep economic downturn that will result from the turmoil.

Below are details about Europe's leaders, how they are faring in the financial crisis and some of the measures their governments have taken in response to it:

BRITAIN - PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN Elected: June 2007

Elections: Due by mid-2010.

Polls: The most recent poll from The Independent newspaper on Tuesday showed that Labour were on 31 percent, compared with 39 percent for David Cameron's Conservatives. Labour has made inroads into the Conservative lead which was 19 points in the same poll conducted two months ago. Government action: Britain offered up 37 billion pounds of taxpayers' cash to recapitalise three major banks. Britain is to guarantee about 250 billion pounds in short- and medium-term borrowing by banks as well as lend banks at least 200 billion pounds via auctions to ensure banks have enough cash to operate.

-- Britain said last Wednesday it would set out the case for more borrowing to support the economy, a move expected to force the suspension of strict rules which were once the centrepiece of its economic policy. Details of changes to rules limiting government debt to 40 percent of GDP are likely to come in a pre-budget report in November.

FRANCE - PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY Elected: May 2007

Elections: Due 2012

Polls: Sarkozy's "activism" has bolstered his popularity, according to a new survey. The number of people expressing confidence in Sarkozy's ability to solve problems facing the country rose to 39 percent from 36 percent a month earlier, according to a poll by TNS Sofres for the Figaro magazine. Government action: France has said it will create two funding vehicles with up to 320 billion euros (252 billion pounds) to guarantee bank lending and 40 billion euros to provide capital to banks in need.