RUTH Davidson last night became voters’ front runner to replace Theresa May as it emerged she was the most popular senior Tory.

A major YouGov poll revealed the Scots Tory leader would be able to repeat Mrs May’s 42% vote share at the general election last year.

4 A survey of 1,669 Brits found Ms Davidson would not lose any votes upon becoming new leader Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Sparky Ms Davidson would not lose any Conservative voters as the party’s new boss, the survey of 1,669 Brits found.

But Cabinet heavyweights Boris Johnson, David Davis, and Amber Rudd all would.

The Foreign Secretary and Brexit Secretary would both lose 9% of the electorate’s support, and the Home Secretary would shed 10% of Tory voters.

The findings will intensify calls for Ms Davidson to take a safe seat south of the border.

4 The YouGov poll found Mrs May's 42% vote share in last year's General Election could be achieved by Ms Davidson Credit: EPA

Tory grandee and ally Sir Nicholas Soames, 69, is rumoured to be ready to stand aside in his Mid Sussex constituency – majority 20,000 – for her to win it with a snap by-election.

The Scots Tory chief last month admitted for the first time that she would consider standing as an MP at Westminster if she fails to topple Nicola Sturgeon at the next Holyrood election in 2021.

The poll – commissioned by political consultancy WPI Strategy – also found there is support for Mrs May to continue in No10 despite her spiralling troubles.

Among all voters, 41% say the PM should remain in position and 34% saying she should step down – very similar figures as a poll in November found.

4 Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson would lose 9% of the electorate’s support, the poll found Credit: AFP or licensors

Leave voters are the most supportive of Mrs May, with 49% of them wanting her to stay in post, versus 32% against.

WPI Strategy Director Nick Faith said: “The Prime Minister should sleep a little easier at night knowing that the public still believes she is the best person for the job.

“All the other potential candidates - except for Ruth Davidson - are seen as more likely to drive support away from the Conservatives.

4 Davidson last month admitted she would consider standing as an MP at Westminster if she fails to topple Nicola Sturgeon at the next Holyrood election in 2021 Credit: PA:Press Association

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“Davidson comes out well as an attractive proposition. Her credentials as a future leader of the party will have been boosted by this poll.”

The findings came as angry Tory party donors stepped up the pressure on Mrs May to step aside yesterday.

Millionaire Pimlico plumbers boss Charlie Mullins said: “There’s no future for her, she’s bad for business and she needs to go”.

Ruth Davidson tells PM plotters to pipe down and put​ ​country over ambition