Tories open near record poll lead

The Conservatives lead Labour in every area of the country across every social group

Theresa May's Conservatives have the party's highest approval rating since 1992 (AFP/Getty)

The Conservative poll lead has risen to 16 per cent, with the Tories above Labour in every social group including working class voters.

A Guardian/ ICM poll put the Conservative Party at 44 per cent, compared to Labour’s 28 – its highest rating since 1992.

In the south of England, the Tories are on 49 per cent compared to Labour’s 24 per cent.

They are 20 points ahead with over 65s, and 10 points ahead in the north of England.

To make matters worse for Labour, in general elections over the last 50 years, only once has the Conservative polling figure been overstated.

The poll does indicate though that Labour’s voters are deserting them for the Conservatives in far greater numbers than for Ukip. On Monday, new Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said his ambition was to replace Labour as the “patriotic” party of the working class.