Barack Obama has been hit by the worst poll rating drop for a new president since records began more than 50 years ago.

The decline in his popularity since July has been the steepest of any leader at the same stage of their first term since 1953. Gallup recorded an average daily approval rating of 53% for Mr Obama for the third quarter of the year, a sharp drop from the 62% he recorded in the second quarter. It means that of the past nine presidents, only Bill Clinton had a lower poll rating at this stage. In comparison, George W Bush had a rating of 72% in 2001 while JFK’s score was 77% in 1961.

After entering the White House with a 78% rating, Mr Obama's current score is only just above the level that would make re-election a struggle.