Cameron
Cameron has enjoyed a three point bounce following his benefit cap. Reuters

The prime minister, David Cameron, has shrugged off a Lords defeat over his controversial benefit cap bill by recording an all-time high poll since the election.

The Conservatives were up three percentage points to 40 percent with Labour drifting down one to 35 percent. The figures mean that if there was a general election tomorrow, the Tories would win an absolute majority in the Commons. The Lib Dems are up one on 16 percent.

The poll, published on the same day as they lost an amendment vote which would cap benefits to £26,000 a year, will come as welcome news.

The government admitted that, although it was "disappointed" by the result in the Lords, it still intends to push through its plans "in full".

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said last night: "We are very disappointed by this decision and it clearly flies in the face of public opinion who clearly believe this is a popular piece of legislation.

"There has to be a limit on the amount of money benefit claimants can receive.

"We think that limit is set at a fair rate of £26k - the equivalent to someone earning £35,000 before tax, a salary that many working families would be happy to receive.

"If you take child benefit out of the cap it will simply become ineffective, failing the very principle of our reforms, which is to bring fairness back into our welfare system while ensuring that support goes to those who need it.

"We are determined our reforms will be implemented in full and we will take this back to the House of Commons to reverse tonight's decision."

Pressure on Miliband

The poll also highlights the current plight of the Leader of the Opposition, Ed Miliband, is enduring criticism on a daily basis over the how he is performing. Rows with union leaders and a failure to successfully relaunch the party on a number of occasion have added to the pressure.

The Sunday Times said: "Backbenchers and shadow ministers are now reluctantly beginning to contemplate the possibility of a change of leadership before the next election. Although party rules make it difficult to unseat a leader, Miliband's position could be seriously destabilised by resignations from his shadow ministerial team or a challenge by a stalking horse candidate."