Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn trumps David Cameron in honesty rankings says Ipsos Mori

Labour are five points behind the Conservatives in the opinion polls but new leader Jeremy Corbyn does have something shout about – the British electorate think he's more honest than David Cameron, according to Ipsos MORI. The survey of more than 1,250 people between 19 and 23 September, found that more than half of (54%) of Britons said Corbyn was "more honest than most politicians" compared to just 30% of respondents who said the same for the prime minister.

The research also revealed that voters think Labour are more concerned about people than the Tories (61% versus 32% respectively). In addition, the poll shows that Labour are behind the Tories (34% versus 39% respectively), but the score is the joint highest rating the party has garnered since its 31% share of the vote at the election on 7 May.

However, it is not all good news for Corbyn and Labour after the general election. More people now believe the party is divided since the left-winger's victory (75%) and only 32% of people think the 66-year-old is a capable leader.

"Jeremy Corbyn's appeal as a different type of politician is clear – the best ratings on honesty, a stronger personality than Ed Miliband, and he's seen to be leading a party concerned about those most in need. But David Cameron still dominates on key prime ministerial attributes such as being capable and good in a crisis, and the sharp rise in perceptions of Labour as divided should worry the party," said Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos MORI.

The research also revealed voters liked Labour more than Corbyn (40% versus 37% respectively), and the new leader is liked more than Ed Miliband was in March 2015 (30% liked Miliband then, compared to 37% who like Corbyn now).

The study comes days before Labour's annual conference in Brighton, where Corbyn will hope to rally his troops following his election and the party's defeat at the general election.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron stoked defection rumours when he revealed "high profile" Labour politicians had contacted him after Corbyn's victory. But a source close to a number of moderate Labour MPs told IBTimes UK that Farron could have scared the modernisers off. "For those of us who think defection is a disastrous strategy, Tim Farron is our friend and has scared off anyone from doing it. If MPs were looking to him for solace, he's blown it," the insider said.