Brits are behind Kemi Badenoch's bid to slash inheritance tax, according to a poll.

YouGov research found 52 per cent believe the death duties should either be reduced or scrapped altogether.

That compared to 13 per cent who said the tax should stay as it is, and 9 per cent who thought it should go up.

Abolition was overwhelmingly the most popular option for Tory and Reform voters, but also among Labour and Lib Dem supporters - with 26 per cent and 27 per cent respectively endorsing it. Around a fifth said they did not know. 

Mrs Badenoch used her speech wrapping up Conservative conference yesterday to make a bold vow on inheritance tax.

She said main residences passed down through generations will be exempt from the levy if she wins power, regardless of their value.

Couples will also be able to pass on a further £1million in assets tax-free, cutting the number who will ever pay inheritance tax by more than half. The £6billion pledge will be funded by cuts to the welfare budget.

The move followed last year's promise to scrap stamp duty, and a new pledge to ditch Labour's mansion tax.

Mrs Badenoch said the plans were a reminder that the Tories 'are and always have been the party of home ownership', adding that those who 'work hard and save should be rewarded for that effort'.

'This is my guarantee: no stamp duty when you buy your home; no mansion tax when you live in your home; and no inheritance tax on your home when you pass it to your children or grandchildren,' she said.

She added: 'The Labour Party think it is selfish to pass on what you have earned to your children. We don't.'