Jeremy Corbyn set to increase mandate as leader, according to new poll

Jeremy Corbyn rally - PA

Jeremy Corbyn could romp to victory in the Labour leadership race with an even bigger vote share than he secured last year, a new poll has suggested.

A massive 62 per cent of those eligible to vote in the contest are backing the incumbent, with just 38 per cent set to cast ballots for challenger Owen Smith, according to a YouGov poll for The Times.

The survey, which is the first published of those entitled to vote, show Corbyn on course to improve on his initial leadership race if undecideds are excluded. Last year he won 59 per cent of support in the first round of voting against three other candidates.

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He boasts strong backing from registered supporters, newer members and most union affiliates, the poll suggests, outweighing lower support from longstanding party members.

The poll shows members who joined before May last year back Mr Smith by 68 per cent to 32 per cent. But the numbers are more than reversed among newer members.

Meanwhile, 48 per cent of respondents said they were in favour of forcing all sitting MPs to face constituency ballots before being allowed to stand again.

The news comes after 29 shop stewards for the Unite union have broken ranks with their general secretary Len McCluskey to back Smith's bid to become leader. It is thought many represent workers in defence industries unhappy with Corbyn's stance on Trident renewal.

Voting began in the contest last week, with the winner set to be announced on 24 September ahead of the Labour conference.