Only 7% of people trust Boris Johnson to fix a wobbly shelf

The majority of people would not trust Boris Johnson to fix a wobbly shelf, according to a new poll.

The prime minister came out unfavourably against chancellor Rishi Sunak in the survey following rumours of a growing rift between the pair.

Respondents also said they would trust Sunak more to look after their dogs, pay back a £20 loan and take their wives or partners for dinner.

However, the PM beat the chancellor when it came to who Conservatives would rather go for a drink with (40% compared to 25%).

The Daily Mail survey followed reports that Johnson had threatened to demote Sunak to health secretary in a cabinet reshuffle.

The Sunday Times reported a furious Johnson going “tonto” after a letter from the chancellor calling for travel restrictions to be lifted leaked to the press.

Downing Street dismissed the rift rumours but business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng later acknowledged “creative tension” between the men.

Tory voters appear to be much more of a fan of the chancellor.

The Daily Mail poll of 1,019 adults found that 42% of all voters thought Sunak would make a better PM than 24% who thought Johnson should stay on.

Johnson has previously relied on his popularity to win elections but this has been on the wane, with one recent poll placing his approval rating at an all-time low.

The Opinium Research survey showed 49% of respondents disapproved of his work as prime minister while 34% approved.

A survey on Conservative Home also showed Johnson’s popularity had dropped among Tory voters after he fell 36 points in the website’s cabinet league table.

A Downing Street spokesman refused to be drawn directly on Johnson’s reported comments on Sunak and insisted there were no plans for a reshuffle.

He said: “The prime minister and the chancellor have always enjoyed a close and effective working relationship, and will continue to do so.”

The reports of a dispute between the men came as the government prepared for the autumn spending review.

Sunak is thought to be more focused than Johnson on rebuilding the public finances following the pandemic.

Watch: Boris Johnson urges 'patience' over travel restrictions