Confidence in Government collapses

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The Populus survey for The Times showed the proportion of voters confident of Labour's ability to handle economic problems had more than halved from 61% to 28%

Only around a quarter (26%) said they now considered Gordon Brown's administration "competent and capable" - down a massive 30 points in almost three months. And, despite the Prime Minister trumpeting his own record as Chancellor in the Commons, more people (55%) now expect the economy to fare badly over the next year than well (34%).

The latest figures - which also reflect public concern over handling of the Northern Rock crisis - came as a second poll showed the Tories surging into a remarkable nine-point lead over Labour.

A YouGov survey for Channel 4 News put the Tories in one of their best positions for 15 years on 41% - less than two months since the same poll had Labour 11 points in front.

Voter intentions were gauged following the revelations that the personal details of 25 million people had been lost by HM Revenue and Customs - sparking an identity theft scare.

Most (81%) pinned the blame on the junior official who put the CDs of sensitive data in the post, closely followed by former HMRC boss Paul Gray, who resigned over the debacle (77%). A majority however (55%) considered Chancellor Alistair Darling should share some of the responsibility and nearly half (49%) said the same of Mr Brown.

The poll confirmed The Times' findings that the episode had hurt Labour's reputation. Only a slim majority of voters still consider the Brown/Darling team to be very (15%) or fairly (36%) competent when it comes to managing Britain's finances.

David Cameron and his shadow chancellor George Osborne enjoy the confidence of 46% on the same issue - although only 9% rate them "very competent" and 37% "fairly" so.

The Tories are up five points on the last YouGov poll for Channel 4 News in early October - two days before Mr Brown ruled out an early general election. Labour have dropped a massive eight points since then, with the Liberal Democrats enjoying a one-point boost to 14% after ditching Sir Menzies Campbell as leader. YouGov consulted 1,600 adults online on Wednesday and Thursday, with the results weighted to be representative of the population.