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Labour supporters are more impressed with Theresa May than by their own party leader Jeremy Corbyn, an extraordinary poll reveals today.

The finding by Ipsos MORI will encourage Conservatives pushing for a snap general election if Mr Corbyn is reconfirmed as Labour leader next month.

Some 45 per cent of Labour backers said they were satisfied with the way Mrs May was doing her job as PM.

But just 39 per cent were happy with Mr Corbyn’s performance and 47 per cent were dissatisfied with him.

His low standing among his party’s wider supporters contrasts with his popularity with Labour members, who are tipped to reject challenger Owen Smith in the leadership ballot next month. The survey reveals that Mrs May is enjoying a honeymoon with the general public.

If a general election were held tomorrow, some 45 per cent say they would back the Tories, up nine points in a month and their biggest share since 2009. Labour is on 34, down one since July. Fifty-four per cent of the public are satisfied with Mrs May’s performance at No 10, with 19 per cent dissatisfied.

Her ratings are better than John Major or Gordon Brown scored in their first month, and compare with David Cameron.

Only Tony Blair did substantially better. In a debate on BBC TV, Mr Corbyn and Mr Smith clashed over why Labour was so far behind in the polls. Mr Corbyn said shadow cabinet resignations had hurt its standing and vowed: “I’ll reach out to all if re-elected.”

Mr Smith retorted that Labour under his rival was “behind in 85 per cent of the polls before the resignations” and was “a weak opposition”.

Gideon Skinner, head of political re-search at Ipsos MORI, said: “It’s not unusual for a new prime minister to experience a honeymoon.

"What is notable though is the extent of her lead over Jeremy Corbyn in the way the public rates them in doing their job.”