The poll was taken before theMirror reported that Johnson had hosted a Christmas quiz from his Downing Street residence on December 15 when London was under a “no mixing” order.
The report included a photograph of the Prime Minister hosting the event,which eyewitnesses told theMirror included several rooms full of colleagues in other parts of the building who were drinking together at a time when there was a ban on social gatherings.
Johnson has already found himself facing criticism on a number of fronts in recent weeks from the funding of therefurbishment of his Downing Street flat to a claim he intervened to ensurepets were evacuated from Kabul during the chaotic Western withdrawal in August.
The most damaging has been reports that aparty – or a series of parties – was held at Downing Street during a 2020 Christmas lockdown when such festivities were banned,with a video showing staff laughing and joking about one gathering.
The Opinium poll for theObserver newspaper found support for the Conservatives,who have held solid leads in polls since winning a landslide victory in a 2019 election,had fallen four points to 32 per cent,while backing for the opposition Labour Party rose to 41 per cent,its biggest lead since 2014.
Johnson’s personal ratings were also at their lowest point since the election,with his approval rating at -35 per cent,down 14 points from two weeks ago. The poll also showed that 57 per cent of voters thought he should resign,up from 48 per cent two weeks ago.