Public support for Theresa May has risen despite the crisis engulfing the government in recent weeks.

A YouGov poll for The Times found 34 per cent of voters say Mrs May is their preferred choice for prime minister, up one point since a month ago, with 31 per cent choosing Jeremy Corbyn, down 2 points, and 35 per cent saying they are not sure.

Labour extended its slight overall lead, however. Mr Corbyn’s party is on 43 per cent, up 1 point on three weeks ago, the Tories unchanged on 40 per cent and the Lib Dems on 6 per cent, down 2 per cent.

The poll results are likely to cheer Downing Street, because they suggest public support for the Conservatives is not collapsing