Rishi Sunak's Tories could be reduced to the third largest party in the Commons and almost wiped-out in a snap general election, a new survey suggests.
It comes after the Conservatives' new Chairman Greg Hands admitted on Wednesday that the upcoming local elections will be "difficult" for the party.
Highlighting the Tories' grim outlook after 12 months of turmoil in the party and the toppling of two Prime Ministers - Boris Johnson and Liz Truss - the poll of over 28,000 people by Find Out Now gave Labour a 26-point lead.
The survey for the Daily Telegraph by the pollsters and Electoral Calculus also suggests Mr Sunak's party would be reduced to fewer seats than the SNP.
It forecasts that Labour would gain 306 seats - giving the party a whopping Commons majority - and the SNP winning 50 parliamentary seats.
The Tories would win just 45 seats - down from 365 at the 2019 general election - making them the third largest party.
Find Out Now's Chief Executive Chris Holbrook told the Daily Telegraph: "The Conservatives have been far behind in the polls for the last four months, with little sign of improvement".
He added: “They have lost support across the country, particularly in traditionally strong Conservative areas, which bodes very badly for the next general election.
"That election could be a near-wipeout and worse than 1997, with the Conservatives not even being the main opposition party.”
But Mr Hands, who was appointed on Tuesday after the sacking of his predecessor Nadhim Zahawi, attempted to be more upbeat earlier this week.
While he said the local elections in May would be "difficult", he claimed the party was "overall in good shape" with membership and resources "improving".
He added: “We’re really looking forward to taking on Sir Keir Starmer ’s unreformed Labour party and the other parties as well.
“I think the Conservative party will have a really good story to tell at next year’s general election and we’re definitely looking forward to it.”
But the prospect of a snap election is remote and Mr Sunak potentially has up until 17 December 2024 - the latest Parliament can be dissolved - to announce the date for the country's next general election.
In an email to Tory supporters after his appointment, Mr Hands also hinted it will be a while before the country goes to the polls.
In his message sent out from Tory HQ, he said: "The next 18 months will see us win or lose the next general election".
