Lord Ashcroft’s new poll will make more grim reading for the Tories. Labour poll higher than the government on every major political issue, from education and healthcare to the economy, Brexit and immigration. Crucially, and surprisingly, the public trust Labour more on defence than the Tories, from 22% to 15%. While war rages in Ukraine and the Middle East, it’s an issue that Downing Street would hope the public had faith in them about…

Guido consistently receives word from Tory MPs furious that Rishi Sunak still hasn’t committed to a date to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP yet. Meanwhile, Ashcroft’s analysis states Sunak should consider cutting his losses and head for an earlier election instead – things may only get worse. Labour tanks are firmly on the Tories’ lawn…