General election 2017: Tory lead slashed to record low of three points as Jeremy Corbyn's Labour closes in on Theresa May

The YouGov/Times voting intention figures show the Conservatives down to 42 per cent from 43 per cent at the weekend.

Labour are on 39 per cent from 36 per cent, which is the narrowest gap YouGov polling has had in the race to date.

The poll of 1,875 adults would lead to Mrs May’s party falling 17 seats short of an overall majority and a hung parliament after June 8.

The latest figures come after the Prime Minister faced criticism last night for being absent from the leaders' debate.

She was accused of lacking "guts" and of "running away from the debate" during the 90 minute BBC TV event.

On Wednesday Mrs May said she preferred "taking questions and meeting people" on the campaign trail rather than "squabbling" with other politicians.

Elsewhere, the Liberal Democrats are on 7 per cent from 8 per cent, UKIP remain on 4 per cent and votes for other parties are at 8 per cent from 7 per cent.

However, YouGov stated: "Please note these voting intention figures are from YouGov's conventional polling, not our new election model."

Their new election model’s results are similar, putting Conservatives at 41 per cent and Labour at 38 per cent.

The YouGov results suggest their team expect a higher turnout among young people, who are more likely to vote Labour, but if their projections are wrong the Conservatives will secure a comfortable win.  

Mrs May continues to be the favourite for Prime Minister but her 43 per cent share is the lowest it has ever been. Jeremy Corbyn is on his highest ever rating at 30 per cent.