Theresa May pleads with voters to have 'faith' in her despite backlash over skipping BBC election debate as poll slump rattles her party

The Prime Minister appealed for voters to have 'faith' in her as more polls showed Labour gaining ground with just a week to go until the vote. One showed the Conservatives' national advantage down to just three points - not enough for an overall majority. Another put Mrs May's ratings in London below those of Jeremy Corbyn for the first time. Speaking in the North East, the premier tried to stop the rot by arguing that only she was able to conduct crucial Brexit negotiations. She pledged to 'fight to earn every vote'.