Ryan Shorthouse, the director of liberal conservative thinktank Bright Blue, who said that if May wanted a big majority then “the Conservatives need to gain seats which are currently Labour and have a disproportionate number of voters on modest incomes or from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as containing a revived Liberal Democrats in the south of England”.

He added: “With the Conservatives squarely behind Brexit, and Ukip now appearing divided and redundant, the target for the PM is the floating voters on modest incomes and in liberal Britain.

“The manifesto will not be expansive, mainly because the two main issues – the economic and Brexit plan – are not changing and are clear. But it should have some bolder policies than what the prime minister has proposed to date on supporting those on modest incomes, with fresh and distinctive welfare, housing and childcare policies. To counter Labour’s attacks, the Tories will need to work harder at showing commitment to improving comprehensive schools and the NHS.”