A poll in today's Telegraph suggests that the UK Independence Party is in line to take more seats than the Liberal Democrats in next month's European elections.

The YouGov survey indicates that UKIP is ahead of the Lib Dems among those who are "very likely" to vote.

According to this measure, the Conservatives are on 31 points, Labour is on 23 points, UKIP takes 18 points and the Lib Dems are on 15 points.

"Even if it is right that the Tories are on 31 points, then that's a lead of eight points," a Labour official said in response to the poll.

"That's exactly the same lead they had five years ago. It shows they've made no progress at all."

Many of those questioned would also vote differently in a general election, with 36 per cent backing the Conservatives, 33 per cent supporting Labour, the Lib Dems on 19 per cent and four per cent for UKIP.