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While the party, lead by Tim Farron, appeared to be making gains and attracting back voters after their dismal performance at the last election, Mr Farron has been having a tough time with questions being raised over his views on gay sex and abortion. The party has also taken a so-called ‘hard Remain’ stance on Brexit which could be costing the party support as well.

PA Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron on the campaign trail

Surveys suggest only around half of the 48 per cent of people who voted against Brexit still want to overturn the decision of the country in the referendum to exit the European Union (EU). The drop in support have led activists and party insiders to dramatically reduce their expectations in the outcome of the general election on June 8.

Snap election 2017: The pictures politicians may not want you to see Sat, May 27, 2017 Protests, fights and daleks, it all happened when the politicians hit the campaign trail for the snap election Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 48 A UK Independence Party supporter (L) scuffles with a pro-europe supporter ahead of a visit by UKIP leader Paul Nuttall to Hartlepool

Mr Farron hoped to double the nine seats the party holds after the local elections last month but now sources are indicating they will even struggle to make even modest gains. One Lib Dem source, who worked on the last general election campaign suggested to The Times it had overplayed its support for reversing Brexit at the expense of discussing other issues affecting voters.

PA The leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron attempts to charm the electorate

PA Tim Farron gives his support to local candidate Lisa Smart (R) in Manchester