Support for the Liberal Democrats has plunged to just 12 per cent - half the level the party secured in the General Election - according to a new poll.

The YouGov survey for the Sunday Times also recorded a steep nosedive in the popularity of the party's leader Nick Clegg since he became Deputy Prime Minister by taking the Lib Dems into coalition Government with the Conservatives.

Mr Clegg's personal satisfaction rating was eight points, compared to the spectacular 72 points he achieved in the wake of the first televised leaders' debate during the election campaign.

The poll suggested that Tories have not suffered in the same way from going into coalition.

David Cameron's party has risen five points since the General Election on 42 per cent, with Labour gaining ground on them - up eight points since the Election on 38 per cent.