MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

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

Prime Minister Gordon Brown Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The ruling Labour slumped to be neck and neck with the United Kingdom Independence Party in a poll as voters looked set to punish mainstream parties over the expenses scandal at the ballot box next month.

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.