A MORI poll for the FT today finds that the chancellor's tax-raising Budget is the most popular for a quarter of a century.

According to the poll, 65 per cent of voters believe the Budget was good for the country - although fewer than 50 per cent thought it was good for them personally.

The majority of voters (59 per cent) believe, however, that last week's Budget represents a change in direction on government thinking.

The poll also reveals that Gordon Brown is now more popular than Tony Blair.

A separate ICM/Guardian poll reveals that the popularity of the Budget has halted a Tory revival.

According to the poll, the party's support has dropped five per cent to 29 points.