Only 13% of public believe Miliband is ready to govern – but at least Tony Blair backs him

Latest polling showed more dismal results for the beleaguered Labour leader

David Miliband and Tony Blair at Remembrance Sunday service (Reuters)

Ed Miliband received yet more bad news today after poll claimed that only 13 per cent of the public believe he is ready to govern.

The news comes as former Prime Minister Tony Blair publicly backed the beleaguered leader, saying in a fraught interview with Sky News that the current Labour leader had his “full support”.

Mr Blair’s declaration for support may be scant comfort to Mr Miliband as the Ipso-MORI poll results, published today, indicate that the Labour party is facing its lowest levels of support since the final days of Gordon Brown’s leadership.

Even among Labour supports Mr Miliband is unable to muster a clear approval – 58 per cent admit they are “dissatisfied” with his leadership so far in the poll for the Evening Standard.

In another knock to Mr Miliband, the overall percentage of the electorate who approve of his leadership has slipped below that of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

While only 26 per cent are satisfied with Mr Clegg, Mr Miliband has lost four points and is languishing on 21 per cent.

Mr Blair, who is currently in Sierra Leone supporting his foundation battling Ebola, appeared frustrated the questions were turning around the Labour leader.

The former PM met Mr Miliband on Remembrance Sunday, however, he claimed to Kay Burley that he had not discussed Mr Miliband’s leadership woes, adding: “That’s what leadership is about and I am sure he is tough enough to take it.”

“Honestly, I have had these things a thousand times and I’ve always said that he has my full support,” he said.

The poll results will round off an already dire news week for Mr Miliband - and potentially overshadow a vitally important 'fight back' speech scheduled for tomorrow.

Last Thursday allegations emerged that a group of 20 shadow ministers were prepared to defect, should there be a replacement Labour leader in the wings. Long-serving Labour MP Alan Johnson has continued to rebut any suggestion he may take up the position.