The Conservatives under Theresa May have extended their lead on Labour to 18 points, according to a new poll by ICM.

In comparison to a similar poll released two weeks ago, this result puts the Tories up two points to 44% nationwide, with Labour falling one point to 26%.

The figures have been released only days ahead of crucial by-elections in Copeland and Stoke Central.

Labour are just one point above their worst ever ICM poll rating of 25% during Gordon Brown’s premiership in June 2008 and August 2009.

UKIP was up one point to 13% and the Liberal Democrats were down two points to 8%. The Greens remain the same at 4%.