THE OBSERVER: Tory nerves fray as Jeremy Corbyn narrows Theresa May’s lead in new poll

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Robert Ford, professor of political science at Manchester University, said the shifts in the polls, while real, would not necessarily be translated into votes on polling day.

“Many voters approached this election not feeling a strong draw to either party or leader. May’s ratings were inflated by an extended honeymoon which was bound to end sooner or later, while Corbyn was at such a low point he could only improve,” he said. “Now we are at a point where May’s bungling [the U-turn over social care] and Corbyn’s detoxification [through offering popular policies] have altered the balance.

“But there is still good reason to doubt whether this will be as significant as it seems now, as many of the changers may be young people and others whom we may not see on polling day, while those most certain to vote are older voters, who tend to vote Conservative.”