It’s tough at the top. A new poll out today from the Times shows that for all the hype around Rishi Sunak’s conference speech, his popularity has now fallen to a record low. According to youGov, only 20 per cent of voters believe Sunak would make the best Prime Minister, down five points in a week. It’s his lowest approval rating since he entered Downing Street a year ago this month. Hardly the curtain-raiser that No. 10 wanted ahead of parliament’s return on Monday…

In fairness to Sunak, it’s not like voters are rushing to Sir Keir Starmer off the back of his efforts either. His rating fell by two points to 32 per cent. Were an election to be held tomorrow ‘Don’t know’ would be the runaway favourite as our national leader, winning 43 per cent of voters, uncertain as to who would make the best leader. It makes you wonder what the huffing and puffing of the commentariat this past fortnight was all about.

According to the Times however, Labour has managed to increase its lead over the Tories from 21 points to 23, with 28 per cent of voters believing Sir Keir now has a ‘clear plan’ for the country, up six points since conference. Rishi meanwhile got 19 per cent, despite his conference slogan pledging that the Conservatives will take ‘long-term decisions for a brighter future.’

If Downing Street are about to pull off the greatest comeback since Lazarus, they ought to get a move on….