There was more evidence of a "Brown Bounce" as another poll showed the Tory lead over Labour had narrowed significantly.

The Conservative advantage has plunged from 24 points to nine points over five months, with the Prime Minister seemingly prospering from his handling of the financial crisis.

The YouGov poll for the Daily Telegraph also indicates that David Cameron's party may have suffered from the "Yachtgate" storm which engulfed George Osborne.

The research is the latest to put the difference between the Tories and Labour in single figures - suggesting the next general election could be very tight.

It found Labour was more trusted to look after the interests of "ordinary people" during the economic crisis by a margin of 33% to 28%.

Gordon Brown was also ahead when people were asked which leader would navigate better through the problems - although only by a single point.

Overall the Tories were on 42%, down 3% since October 4, while Labour were up 2% on 33%. The Lib Dems were unchanged on 15%.