The public has become so disillusioned with the government's ability to deliver improvements in key public services that the Conservatives are now seen as having the best policies for education and health for the first time since Labour won power in 1997, according to polling by Ipsos MORI.

The research company's quarterly tracking index, which is eagerly watched by the government, shows the public disagrees by two to one (59 per cent compared with 31 per cent) that Labour's policies will improve the state of public services overall.