Trust in Cameron down, survey says

Public trust in David Cameron and George Osborne's handling of the economy has slumped to a new low in the wake of a series of controversies over measures in last month's Budget.

The survey, by ComRes for ITV News, showed a clear majority (53%) do not now have faith in the Prime Minister's ability to steer the UK through turbulent economic times.

That is a six-point jump on last month and the proportion expressing confidence slumped five points to 31% - putting the gap between the two at 22 points, equalling his worst-ever scare.

After rows over the "granny tax" reduction in OAPs' tax allowances, VAT on pasties, the impact of tax credit cuts on families and the scrapping of the 50p top rate of income tax, the Chancellor fares worse still.

As many as 60% do not trust him with the nation's purse strings (up eight points on last month) while those expressing confidence stood at only around one in five (21%), down from 25%.

That net score of -39 for Mr Osborne is much worse than his previous low of -30, in July last year.

The Conservative pair may draw comfort, however, from the apparent failure of Labour's team of Ed Miliband and Ed Balls to seize the initiative - with both still trailing their coalition counterparts.

The Opposition leader's approval rating rose just two points to 18% while the shadow chancellor was stalled at 15%.

ComRes interviewed 2,028 adults online between March 30 and April 1.