May will win if polls right,

Election: ‘Will she get blank cheque?’ is issue

Labour former prime minister Tony Blair has said Theresa May is on course to win the general election “if the polls are right”.

The party’s most electorally successful leader has been critical of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership but has confirmed he will vote Labour on June 8.

He said: “If the polls are right, we know who is going to be prime minister on June 9.

“That’s not the issue. It will be Theresa May, if the polls are right. I’m not predicting that.”

Mr Blair said the “real issue” of the election was whether Mrs May would be given a “blank cheque”, rather than Mr Corbyn's leadership.

“It’s what mandate does she claim both on Brexit and on the health service, education and all the other things?

“I think the most powerful argument for Labour in this election, because of the way the polls are and the way the opinion polls are on the leadership issue, the most powerful argument for Labour is to say it is important for our democracy that the government is held properly to account and she needs a strong opposition.” Responding to the comments, Mr Corbyn said: “I'm out on the streets and the doorsteps and the meeting halls every day and that's not what I'm finding. I'm finding the enthusiasm of people at the prospect of doing things differently to work for everyone and I'm enjoying it.” Mr Blair’s comments came as one poll said the Conservatives’ lead over Labour had narrowed by seven points since last week, but with Theresa May’s party still 16 points ahead.

The YouGov opinion poll has the Tories down three points on 45% and Labour up four on 29% in what Jeremy Corbyn will hope signals a turning point in a race he insists is not a foregone conclusion.

Controversy over Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron’s beliefs on gay sex may account for his party dropping two points to 10%, although the devout Christian has confirmed he does not think it is a sin.

Mrs May continues to be voters’ choice for who would make the best prime minister, although she was down six points on 48%, with Mr Corbyn on 18%.

A third of voters (33%) did not know who would be the best PM. Ukip was up two points on 7%.

CAMPAIGN TRAIL KISSES: Under-fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is embraced by a supporter as he holds a public rally at Harlow, Essex, yesterday

Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair