The latest opinion polls have added to speculation that a general election could be held this autumn.

An Ipsos-MORI survey in the Sun put Labour on 42 per cent, the Conservatives on 34 per cent and the Liberal Democrats on 14 per cent.

And a separate poll conducted by YouGov for the Telegraph finds that Gordon Brown is nearly twice as popular as his predecessor Tony Blair.

In addition, 58 per cent of respondents agreed that Brown 'gives the impression of being a strong leader'.

And 53 per cent agree with the proposition that the prime minister "seems to represent a fresh start".

A 'poll of polls' in the Independent puts Labour on 38 per cent, four points ahead of the Conservatives, with the Lib Dems on 17 per cent.