More than half of Osborne's constituents believe he must quit as MP if he starts newspaper job

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.

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.