Turnout for next month's local elections is set to hit an all-time low, according to an ICM poll for the Guardian.

Just one in four voters look set to turn-out on May 2, the survey finds.

Challenging the perceived wisdom, it appears that Tory supporters will be as likely as their Labour counterparts to stay at home.

Senior government figures have warned that parties must reconnect with voters on key areas such as law and order or face the combined problem of growing apathy and a rise in extremism.