Keir Starmer said tough decisions such as cutting winter fuel costs to save £1.4bn a year were necessary and that failing to act would simply be “putting paint on a damp situation”.
The Prime Minister described the process of making “unpopular” decisions as part of a strategy to “tear down and rebuild”.
Speaking to reporters on a flight to Washington DC, Starmer said the changes he would make would be “painful” and “difficult”.
But, he adds, “The alternative is to slap a wet paint over it and pretend the job is done. You might get a round of applause now, but in six months, 12 months and a few years' time you won't get any applause because everyone will realise nothing has actually changed.”
Mr Starmer defended himself when asked how he felt about his falling popularity in the polls.
The cuts to the winter fuel benefit will mean that all but the poorest pensioners who receive income-related benefits such as pension credit will no longer receive a flat-rate payment of £200 or £300 a year depending on their age.
Ministers have launched a campaign to encourage all eligible pensioners to apply for pension credit and to continue receiving their Winter Fuel Allowance.
But in a vote on the policy in the House of Commons on Tuesday that the Conservatives forced through, one Labour MP opposed it and 52 abstained, although Downing Street said most of the dissenting MPs had permission to miss the vote.
The Conservative Party has been pushing for an impact assessment to be published, but Downing Street said earlier this week that one had yet to be carried out.
But the Conservatives have highlighted the findings of a 2017 Labour study which found that their plans to scrap winter fuel allowances for wealthy pensioners could lead to around 4,000 more deaths over the winter.
The Ipsos poll found that 46% of people polled had an unfavorable view of Starmer, while 32% had a favorable view – the worst figures for any Labour leader.
The only other time so many people expressed dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's performance was in the aftermath of Labour's defeat in the Hartlepool by-election in 2021.
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Labour remains more popular with voters than the Conservatives, but the number of people who say they have an unfavourable view of the party and key figures such as Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves rose significantly over the summer, with 45% saying they have an unfavourable view of the party compared to 36% who view it favourably.
Asked about the poll and whether people were expecting too much, Starmer said: “At the next election I will be judged on whether I have delivered on the promises I have made.”
“The promises I made are to stabilise and grow our economy so that everyone across the country can have a better life; to make our health service not just bounce back but future-proof; to secure renewable energy, to ensure cheaper energy and energy independence; and to secure jobs for the next generation.”
“We have the skills and the education to ensure that each young person can maximise their talents and that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities.”
Kieran Pedley, Ipsos political director, said: “These figures indicate some early warning signs for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. The next general election is several years away and while perceptions of Labour remain stronger than those of the Conservatives, these figures represent a significant decline from the figures recorded in August.”
