PM's policies are having no effect, say two-thirds of voters

Gordon Brown's economic leadership took a new blow today when a poll found just a third of voters think his flagship policies to beat the slump will work.

An opinion poll found that faith in the Government's ability to prevent the worst of the recession is in nosedive, with some thinking it could even make things worse. Only 31 per cent of those asked thought Mr Brown's blizzard of initiatives would make the economy better. But 64 per cent thought they would either make no difference or would make the situation worse.

The finding in an ICM/Guardian survey came as the Cabinet met to consider the latest action being planned by ministers to ward off job losses and stabilise the banks. Lord Mandelson was expected to brief members on talks he is holding with the car industry while ministers were set to back a report from Lord Carter later this week proposing huge investment in digital infrastructure.