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Women and middle-aged voters are punishing Theresa May following controversies over the “dementia tax” and school meals, an exclusive poll reveals today.

The Ipsos MORI research for the Evening Standard reveals significant shifts to Labour among women and the 35-54 age group — the “pinched generation” juggling caring for ageing parents and their own children.

Today’s survey, the first full Ipsos MORI telephone poll since just before the manifesto launch, shows the Tories still suffering from their wobble as Labour narrow the gap to just five points — a quarter of the lead Mrs May enjoyed before campaigning began.

Moreover Mrs May’s personal ratings have fallen to their lowest yet.

The standing of the parties, with six days to go before June 8, is Conservatives down four to 45 per cent, Labour up six to 40 and the Liberal Democrats marooned on seven.

But the most striking feature is Labour’s improvement among the voters most affected by the social care and school meals rows.

Before the Tory manifesto raised care costs and scrapped free meals for infants, women were dividing 49-35 for the Conservatives over Labour. Now that gap has closed to 45-44. Among people aged 35-54 there has been an even more dramatic switch.

Before the social care row they split 52-34 for the Conservatives. Now they divide 36 for the Conservatives and 46 for Labour. In other words, they have switched sides.

Among older voters, aged 55+, satisfaction with May has dropped from 70 to 57, though she is still positive on balance.

As the race tightens for No 10 three in four voters have definitely decided how they will vote. But among Lib Dem voters, nearly half think they might defect to another party.

Satisfaction with Mrs May among all voters is down from 55 to 43 per cent, her lowest ratings to date.

Gideon Skinner of Ipsos MORI said: “Here’s more evidence of the Conservatives’ wobbly week, with Labour improving again and the last two weeks of campaigning seeing a big hit to the Prime Minister’s personal ratings. But remember this is just a snapshot of a period of time, not a prediction – the Conservative vote share remains high, May is still seen as the most capable PM, and they still have the support of older people.”

Political flak from the elderly care row continued to hit the Tories today. Former Cabinet minister Lady Stowell said there was “a lot that we can learn from the uproar over social care”. The Liberal Democrats erected a mock estate agents outside Tory HQ to symbolise elderly people having to sell their homes.

Today’s research found Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and Ukip’s Paul Nuttall are struggling to break through to voters. Only 25% are satisfied with Farron and 18% with Nuttall.

Asked who would be most capable Prime Minister, Mrs May has a clear lead, by 50% to 35%, although the gap has narrowed from 56% to 29% last month.