Most of George Osborne's constituents think he should choose between being an MP and a newspaper editor

Most of George Osborne's constituents believe he must quit as an MP if he goes ahead with his new job as a newspaper editor, according to polling.

More than half, 57%, said the Evening Standard role would harm his ability to represent Tatton voters and four in ten Tories said they would now be less likely to vote for him in the future, Survation found.

Around six in ten constituents agreed the former Chancellor has a "moral obligation" to only have one job and 66% said he should choose between being sitting in Parliament and running the capital's main newspaper.

George Osborne | His six jobs

The study, commissioned by 38 Degrees, found just 5% think the editorship would have a positive effect.

A petition launched on the campaign organisation's website calling for the MP to choose one role has been backed by more than 192,000 signatories.

Mr Osborne has insisted he will continue to represent constituents in the Cheshire seat, 190 miles from the capital, despite taking up one of the most demanding jobs in Fleet Street and claimed he has the "overwhelming support" of his local Conservative Party.

The MP has taken up a string of new jobs since leaving the Tory frontbench last year. He earns £650,000 a year as an adviser to US investment firm BlackRock, chairs the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, is a Kissinger Fellow and has become a face on the lucrative after-dinner speech circuit.

Labour said the latest appointment "is a matter of great concern" and risks diminishing the standing of politicians in the eyes of voters.

Diana Simkins, the Tatton constituent who started the petition, said: "Who else could take another job, work half the hours and keep their full salary?

"George Osborne's my MP, he should be serving people like me. He needs to pick one job and stick to it."

READ MORE ABOUT:

• George Osborne

• Newspapers

• Cheshire

• Show more