ICM blow for Corbyn as he tries to hang on: LAB now 16% behind at lowest level since 2009
CON 43% (+4)
LAB 27% (-2)
LD 8% -1
UKIP 13% -1
GRN 4%
If other pollsters follow ICM’s 16% CON lead it could create greater clamour for May to call a general election
In many ways the latest ICM poll is hardly surprising. The Tories have a new leader who is enjoying a honeymoon period while Labour is in all sorts of trouble with 80% of its MPs saying they have no confidence in their leader.
The splits are also being magnified by the current leadership contest which are dominating the domestic political agenda.
One thing that polling like this could trigger is a clamour for Theresa May to call a general election. After all the current majority of 12 is hardly comfortable and already the Eurosceptic right is starting to make noises about the deal Britain might end up with during the BREXIT process.
This poll will also add to the pressure on Corbyn. It matters little that many members and £25 sign-ups back him if the party under his leadership is failing so badly in the polls.
As in all things we need to see other surveys from other firms.