Voters back Labour on public services as unions blame Tories for ‘months of misery’

Poll shows just 17% of people back the Conservatives on public services against 43% for the opposition

More than twice as many voters now trust Labour to improve public services as the Conservatives, after the government finally backed down and agreed an improved pay deal for NHS workers aimed at ending months of damaging health sector strikes.

The latest Opinium poll for the Observer shows just 17% of people back the Tories on public services against 43% who would prefer Labour to manage them, after the government came forward with an enhanced offer last week.