WORCESTER would now vote to stay in the European Union if another referendum was held, according to new analysis.

The research, carried out by Focaldata, found that 53 per cent of voters in the city now support remaining in the EU.

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, 53.7 per cent of Worcester voters chose to leave the EU, while 46.3 per cent voted to remain.

Mike Foster, the city's former MP, has now called for a rethink on Brexit, although Worcester's current MP has cast doubt on the analysis.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "The whole thing [poll size] is 15,000 people but it's over 100 constituencies, therefore 150 people would be the rough number in Worcester.

"Like all polls they need to be taken with a pinch of salt. It's an interesting indication of where part of the public opinion may lie."

Mr Walker thinks that people who voted for Brexit are generally less likely to take part in polls than those in favour of staying in the EU.

However, Mr Foster said the analysis was further evidence voters had changed their minds and floated the idea of a second referendum.

He added: "The majority now wish to remain in the EU, perhaps with some reforms rather than leave.

"Our MPs need to respond accordingly. The vast majority of them voted Remain in the referendum but have been tied to the result.

"Perhaps now they will have the freedom to back their judgement and do what is best for the country.

"If they still feel inhibited by the referendum result and won't do their duty in parliament, then maybe a People's Vote or fresh referendum on any deal is needed."

A spokesman for Worcestershire for Europe said: "This news comes as no surprise as we have seen a steady increase in support during our campaign days in Worcester.

“People have seen the lack of progress in negotiations and the negative effects of Brexit, such as the weakened pound and struggling businesses and are starting to see Brexit will not be all it was cracked up to be.

“Campaigns like ours are helping to make people aware of the many benefits of EU membership - the right to study, work and retire in Europe, swift access to medical treatments, ease of trade.

“Given the phenomenal cost of Brexit to our economy for decades it is to be expected that reasonable people are asking themselves ‘Brexit - is it worth it?’ After all, no one voted Leave to be poorer.”

Owen Cleary, chairman of UKIP Worcester, said: “I seriously doubt the significance of polling 15,000 swing-seat voters.

“The only poll that matters was that of 45million UK-wide voters in 2016. This is just more desperate tosh from those who can't accept the referendum result.

“I doubt they even believe it themselves. Indeed, given that UKIP Worcester's membership has nearly doubled since the spring, it appears this poll is not reflected in the real world either.”

The Focaldata analysis was based on YouGov polling across June and July.