The Labour Party now holds a poll lead over the Tories in England’s 100 most rural constituencies in a fresh blow for Rishi Sunak. 

A Survation survey put Labour on 37 per cent of the vote in the traditionally Tory heartlands with the Conservatives now three points behind on 34 per cent. 

Labour support is up by 17 points when compared to the party’s performance in the seats at the 2019 general election while Tory support has collapsed, falling by 25 points. 

The poll was conducted between Jan 23-30 on behalf of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). 

The Conservatives currently hold 96 of the 100 most rural seats but the findings suggest the Tories may hold onto just 43, with Labour gaining 51. Potential high-profile casualties could include Jeremy Hunt and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg.

The poll was published at the start of what could be a challenging week for Mr Sunak. His Rwanda Bill returns to the House of Lords for further scrutiny today, GDP statistics will be published on Thursday which could show the UK is in recession, and the week will finish with the crunch Wellingborough and Kingswood by-elections. 

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