Record numbers of children could find themselves in poverty if the Conservatives come to power.

That's the conclusion of respected think tank The Resolution Foundation, which found that while no party’s plans would reduce the number of children growing up families in financial hardship, a Tory win risks leaving one child in three facing poverty.

Under Tory proposals, 600,000 children would be living in households whose income is below 60pc of the median average by 2023, the research found. These levels of child poverty have not been seen in 60 years, said the Foundation.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have committed to spending £9bn on social security, yet their plans would still leave up to 50,000 more children in poverty.

The problem is caused by manifesto promises are skewed in favour of older generations. While pensioner benefits, such as the "triple lock" on pensions and winter fuel payments, have been protected, state support for working-age families has been slashed.