ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

A clear majority of the British public believe Jeremy Corbyn should be replaced by challenger Owen Smith despite growing evidence that the Left-winger is heading for victory in the leadership ballot, a poll shows today.

The BMG Research survey for the Evening Standard exposes a glaring gap between the general public and Labour Party activists, who appear set to confirm the Islington North MP as leader next month.

Asked who would make the best Labour leader, Mr Smith was ahead by 58 per cent to 42. Asked who would be the best prime minister, the result was even more decisive: 62 to 38 for Mr Smith.

The poll also suggested that a renewed Corbyn leadership would deter a significant number of people from voting Labour at the next general election.

About three in 10 said they would be less likely to vote Labour with Mr Corbyn in charge in 2020, compared with about two in 10 who said they would be more likely. Under Smith, some 18 per cent would be more attracted to the party and 17 per cent deterred.

The research found backing for Mr Corbyn as leader was 57 per cent among under-24s — but crashed to just 21 per cent among over-65s. Among people who voted Labour at last year’s general election, the rivals were neck and neck, at 51-49 to Mr Corbyn. But among non-voters and supporters of other major parties — whose votes Labour will need to attract — Mr Smith was ahead.

In a speech to members in Oxford tonight, Mr Smith will warn that Labour cannot secure power to boost the NHS and housebuilding unless it appeals beyond its core membership. He is expected to say: “If we are going to turn our principles into action then we need to secure power by winning support across the country.”

Mr Corbyn, a 1-8 favourite at the bookies, was boosted when it emerged he had won nominations from 285 local Labour branches, compared with 53 for Mr Smith.

The Smith camp claimed the nominations reflected a “noisy” minority of activists, not the full membership.

A consultation by the Jewish Labour Movement of its members found just four per cent backed Mr Corbyn.

At a rally in Highbury Fields last night, the Labour leader said his MPs should heed the “mass movement” of new members picked up during his time in charge.

Speaking from the top of a fire engine, he said the “absolutely massive” turnout at his rallies showed his widespread support.

Dr Michael Turner, research director at BMG Research, said: “Interestingly, the poll suggests that, of those who had voted Labour in 2015 but since withdrawn or moved support elsewhere, a clear majority think Owen Smith has the qualities to make both a better leader and a better prime minister.”