Starmer’s Approval Ratings Sink to New Lows
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing record-low approval ratings, with growing dissatisfaction over how the government is managing critical issues like the economy and immigration.
A recent YouGov survey shows that only 18% of Britons view Starmer favorably, marking the lowest point in his leadership. In contrast, a striking 72% express unfavorable opinions, resulting in a -54 rating for the Labour leader.
Things look even worse for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Starmer’s Treasury secretary. He’s been heavily criticized for allegedly misleading the public about a supposed financial “black hole,” using it to justify tax increases aimed at welfare and immigration costs.
According to the same poll, Reeves enjoys a mere 12% favorable rating, while 71% of voters disapprove of her. This gives her a troubling -59 rating, the worst she’s seen in her current role.
The poll also indicates strong backing for Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, which is ahead of the Labour Party by 28% to 18%. The Green Party and the Conservatives are tied at 17%, as the traditional parties grapple with regaining public support after a significant drop last year. The Green Party appears to be gaining traction under its new leader, Zach Polanski.
Amidst these developments, there is increasing speculation about Starmer’s leadership. Some insiders suggest he could be replaced in a potential coup within the Labour Party.
Names like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner have come up, though the frontrunner seems to be Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester.
Burnham has a background in the establishment, having served under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, but he has rebranded himself as a voice of the people, even dubbing himself the “King in the North.” He previously ran for Labour Party leadership but lost to Jeremy Corbyn, a move some say could open doors for another candidacy if he secures a parliamentary seat.
Recent reports suggest that Burnham may be close to arranging for current Labour MPs in safe seats to resign, thus enabling him to contest for the vacant seat. An unnamed Labour MP supportive of Burnham’s ambitions stated, “It’s happening. We’re likely to be free soon and we’re on the brink of securing a seat where polls say Andy will beat the Reformers.”
