Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg’s rising stardom showed signs of fading today as a poll following the 90-minute TV clash signalled a David Cameron fightback.

The fresh poll put Mr Cameron ahead by four points on 36 per cent, Mr Clegg on 32 per cent and Gordon Brown trailing on 29 per cent.

Mr Clegg’s poll ratings were well down on last week, when viewers rated him as dominating the debate by a wide margin.

He had endured a tough day with his policies and finances under intense scrutiny as the main parties attacked him and his policies. But despite opening up a five point gap, the Tories acknowledged it would not give them enough seats to form a majority government on May 6.

Labour said Mr Brown won on “substance” while the Tories said Mr Cameron gave a more assured performance.

The Lib Dems said both failed to land a “knockout blow” on Mr Clegg, as the polls still pointed towards a hung parliament.

The Tories stepped up their attack at Labour election leaflets which they said  contained “lies” about plans to cut benefits for the elderly.
Shadow chancellor George Osborne said Gordon Brown had “some very serious questions to answer”.