Despite deep doubts over his trustworthiness, voters appear ready to back the prime minister at the general election, according to the latest YouGov poll for the Telegraph.

Only one in four of the electorate think Tony Blair's government is honest but 36 per cent are set to vote for him in the ballot expected next year.

Labour's poll position is unchanged on last month whereas the Conservatives are down two points to 32 per cent and the Liberal Democrats up one to 22 per cent.

Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy used his strongest words yet yesterday to rule out an electoral pact or coalition with Labour.