VOTERS who opted for Britain to leave the EU felt ignored by politicians and left behind by economic growth, according to survey findings for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The York based charity said so-called ‘Brexit’ voters were nearly twice as likely to believe that national Government did not listen to their concerns.

The Foundation said it was a “clear instruction” for Prime Minister Theresa May’s new Government to ensure that things do not return to “business as usual”.

Mrs May has said her intention is to unite the country and carry out a programme of social and economic reform.

Meanwhile, a second poll for the charity revealed that two thirds of people questioned believed poverty had increased over the last decade.

Chief executive Julia Unwin said: “The result of the EU referendum shows we cannot afford to return to business as usual for the poorest people and places across the UK.

“It is vital that politicians seize this opportunity to show that they are listening and work not only across party lines but in collaboration with business, individuals and local communities to solve poverty once and for all.”