Election 2017: Theresa May to put Brexit at heart of campaign again amid shrinking poll lead

Prime Minister's renewed pledge to transform the country comes as poll lead falls to three points

Theresa May has again attempted to pull the election campaign onto Brexit with a speech hailing it as a “great national mission” that she is best placed to lead.

Focusing on the pending negotiations with the EU, Ms May pledged to use the “promise of Brexit” to transform the country.

But it comes amid a difficult week which has seen her poll lead dwindle - a new YouGov survey put it at just three points, while there have been indications the election may lead to a hung parliament.

There are also indications Ms May is abandoning personal attacks on Jeremy Corbyn for a more positive approach, after the Labour leader scored a tactical victory over the Tories by attending Wednesday's election TV debate and highlighting the Prime Minister's refusal to take part.

Speaking in the North East, the Prime Minister said:: “For Britain to succeed we need to be ready to grasp the opportunities ahead, to make the most of every talent and ensure no person or community is left behind.

“And as we come together behind this great national mission – to make a success of Brexit and of the opportunities it brings – we will build a more united country as our shared values, interests and aspirations bring us together.”

She added: “We are now 12 months on from the EU referendum. 12 months since the British people voted for a brighter future for our country. 12 months since they voted to leave the European Union and embrace the world.

“And in one week’s time, they have the opportunity to affirm that decision and secure that brighter future by voting for me to continue as Prime Minister.”

The damaging decision to U-turn on her social care policy just days after it appeared in the Tory manifesto has led to Ms May facing questions over her claim to be the “strong and stable” option.

It also precipitated a marked drop in the Conservative poll lead, culminating in a YouGov seat-by-seat projection published by The Times suggesting the election will result in a hung parliament.

A further YouGov poll published in the paper on Thursday morning shows the Conservatives on 42 points with Labour close behind on 39. The three point difference between the parties compares to one of around 20 points at the start of the campaign.

Ms May came under fire after refusing to face up to questions from other leaders in a head-to-head debate broadcast on BBC 1. Mr Corbyn had said he would not take part as well, but switched tack in a last minute move .

Party leaders poured scorn on Ms May for her 'no show', questioning her claim to be “strong and stable” and accusing her of “weakness”, before attacking Home Secretary Amber Rudd who took her place on the stage.

An email sent out last night saw Ms May telling supporters she is “excited about the future”, with some seeing it as an indication that the Prime Minister may be pulling back from the more negative approach of attacking Mr Corbyn’s “weak leadership”.