Battle for Brexit

Speech setting out the Government’s legislation, but critics said it was a cynical bid to stop MPs blocking No Deal.

The poll found 40 per cent felt the Prime Minister was wrong to suspend Parliament and 39 agreed with the move.

Asked who they back on Brexit, Mr Johnson is the clear winner on 45 per cent. Among the main three parties, the Liberal Democrats have the second most popular Brexit policy, on 21, with Mr Corbyn trailing on a lowly 16. Mr Johnson is clear winner as ‘ best PM’ on 45 per cent. Miss Swinson is second on 19 and Mr Corbyn third on 17.

Asked to choose between the Labour leader and pro-EU former Tory chancellor Ken Clarke as a caretaker prime minister the latter polls 32 per cent to 21 for Mr Corbyn.

As well as having more of a ‘common touch’, Mr Johnson is seen as more intelligent, stronger, more charismatic and more statesmanlike. Mr Corbyn leads in just one category: he is seen – marginally – as more ‘caring’.

The survey emphasises the scale of the risk Mr Johnson took when he vowed the UK would cut its ties with Brussels ‘do or die’ on October 31.

The public support his bold aim: 49 per cent oppose moves to delay Brexit to take negotiations into extra time; 42 per cent disagree.

A total of 52 per cent believe we will leave without a deal, compared with 19 per cent who think we will secure one. A total of 13 per cent believe we will remain in the EU.

But if Mr Johnson fails to secure an exit on October 31 his ‘do or die’ promise could back to haunt him. One in two voters, including one in four Conservatives, say he will have no choice but to resign.

Survation interviewed 1,020 adults online on Thursday and yesterday.