A dramatic new YouGov poll has handed Labour a staggering 33-point lead over the Conservatives, with the opposition on 54% and the Tories on just 21%. The gap, the largest since the 1990s, reflects a collapse in Tory support following last week's mini-Budget, which sparked market turmoil and a sterling crisis.
Prime Minister Liz Truss defended her 'controversial and difficult' economic plans during a series of BBC radio interviews, insisting she had the 'right plan' to avoid recession. However, senior Tories, including former chief whip Julian Smith, have called for a U-turn on the abolition of the 45p tax rate, while backbenchers warn that letters of no-confidence are 'flying in like there's no tomorrow'.
The poll reveals that only 37% of 2019 Conservative voters intend to stick with the party, with 17% now planning to switch to Labour – up from 8% in a week. Sir Charles Walker, a Tory grandee, said the party would be 'wiped out' if an election were held now, describing the Budget as 'very poorly executed'.
Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng are set for emergency talks with the Office for Budget Responsibility today, amid allegations the government asked the watchdog not to scrutinise the mini-Budget. The government is under pressure to bring forward its fiscal plan from November 23 to late October to calm markets.
