Saturday’s terrorist attack in London has sparked a political fight, with the capital’s popular mayor accusing Theresa May, prime minister, just three days before UK national elections of failing to provide the city with enough security funding.

The growing row, which has pulled in almost all major UK political figures just 36 hours after seven people were killed by three assailants near London Bridge, has piled pressure on Mrs May, who was already on the defensive for her faltering campaign.

Mrs May attempted to use her leadership during the terrorist attacks — including last month’s bombing in Manchester, which left 22 dead — to reinforce her “strong and stable” campaign message on Monday morning by arguing: “There is not time for learning on the job.”