Labour voters support equals that of UK Independent Party, 17%

The BPIX poll for the Mail on Sunday put Labour's expected vote share in the June 4 European elections at 17% - six points down in just a week - further raising fears of a disastrous night for Gordon Brown.

David Cameron's Tories took the same hit, dropping to 30%, while UKIP surged seven, suggesting smaller parties could benefit from a massive anti-sleaze boost.

There was no better news for the Prime Minister when it came to wider party support as his party crashed to another historic low of 20% - 22 points behind the Tories and on course for a general election landslide defeat.

That may be partly explained by voters dissatisfaction with the way the PM has handled the crisis - 17% backing his response compared with 53% supporting Mr Cameron's rapid reaction. More than a third of voters (38%) now believe he should call a snap election.

And 60% want allowance and expense limits slashed from £190,000 a year to less than £50,000. BPIX interviewed 2,318 people between May 14 and 16.