Most people would rather go on a night out or spend the weekend with Sir Keir Starmer than Rishi Sunak, according to a poll.

The Labour leader also emerged as the preferred companion for having a Sunday roast – but the prime minister was top choice for running a business or mortgage advice.

Some 33% of people surveyed for The Mail on Sunday said they would rather hit the town with Sir Keir, compared with 25% for Mr Sunak.

He was also the preferred companion for a long car journey – taking 34% of votes against 24% for his Tory rival.

And 37% said they believe Sir Keir would be better at telling a joke – with Mr Sunak’s rating no laughing matter at 19%.

More people would also trust Sir Keir as a babysitter, or to feed their pet while on holiday.

But Rishi Sunak’s experience as chancellor may have helped him when it comes to who voters would trust with their finances.

Some 30% said he would be the best person for mortgage advice, narrowly ahead of the Labour leader on 28%.

Meanwhile, 40% believed he would be the best choice for running a business – Sir Keir polled at 26%.

When it came to the bigger picture of the UK economy, the results were flipped.

A total of 45% believe a Labour government led by Sir Keir would be better, compared with 31% for a Tory government under Mr Sunak.

A quarter of people said they weren’t sure.

About 1,500 people were interviewed online by Deltapoll for The Mail on Sunday’s “state of the nation” survey.

With a general election likely next year, 46% said they would currently back Labour, 29% Conservative and 12% Liberal Democrat.