Keir Starmer’s Disapproval Rating: Introduction
In recent months, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party and the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has faced a significant dip in his approval ratings, with a growing number of British people expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Keir Starmer’s disapproval rating will be his downfall because of the left-wing thuggery surrounding their brand of socialism.
This discontent comes as a surprise to many, given that Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the July 2024 general election, ending over a decade of Conservative rule. Yet, barely 100 days into his tenure as Prime Minister, his approval ratings have plunged, reflecting widespread public disillusionment.
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Keir Starmer’s Disapproval Rating is Gathering Pace
A recent YouGov poll revealed that Keir Starmer’s net favourability has sunk to -36, with 63% of the public holding an unfavourable opinion of him. This marks a dramatic shift from earlier in the year, when some saw Labour’s victory as a sign of hope for many voters. In particular, those suffering disillusionment with years of Conservative government.
Comparatively, Starmer’s unpopularity is now on par with that of Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK. His political career is all about strong polarization and populism.
- Sources: The Independent and LBC.
Much of the criticism directed at Starmer revolves around the perception that his government has failed to deliver on the promises of change that were a central part of Labour’s election campaign. Many voters feel let down by his approach to key issues such as the cost of living, welfare, and public services.
In particular, the Labour government’s decision to scrap the universal winter fuel payment for pensioners, limiting it only to the poorest, has caused widespread backlash, especially among older voters. This policy, spearheaded by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has been pointed to as one of the contributing factors behind both Starmer’s and the Labour Party’s sinking popularity
- Source: LBC.
Labour’s Approval Ratings Decline in General
Beyond Starmer himself, the Labour Party has also seen its popularity diminish. A separate poll by Ipsos found that Labour’s net favourability rating has dropped from +6 in July, just after the election, to -21 by early October. Public opinion toward the party as a whole has grown increasingly negative, with 60% of respondents viewing Labour unfavourably.
This represents a significant change from the optimistic atmosphere surrounding Labour’s electoral win, which many saw as a mandate for bold reforms
- Source: Ipsos.
Adding to the disillusionment, 58% of the British public now believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction under Labour’s leadership, up from 49% in July. This suggests that many voters who initially supported Starmer and his vision for the country have become disenchanted with the pace or direction of change.
Economic challenges, such as the rising cost of living and ongoing public sector strikes, have only exacerbated the frustration, with many questioning Labour’s ability to manage the economy effectively.
Starmer’s Leadership Style Under Scrutiny
Critics of Keir Starmer have pointed to his leadership style as a possible reason for his declining popularity. While his emphasis on pragmatism and moderation helped him win over centrist voters and former Conservatives during the election, it has alienated some traditional Labour supporters who had hoped for more radical reforms.
Starmer has been described as too cautious, and his reluctance to fully embrace progressive policies on issues like wealth inequality, climate action, and public ownership has led to accusations that he lacks a clear vision for the country’s future
- Sources: The Independent and Ipsos.
This sense of ambiguity has also affected his standing within his own party. Some on the left of Labour, including members of the grassroots movement that supported his predecessor Jeremy
Corbyn, have criticized Starmer for abandoning the bold platform of the 2019 Labour manifesto, which called for significant structural reforms such as nationalizing key industries and investing heavily in public services. People now think that Starmer’s more centrist approach, while initially appealing to a broader electorate, is a compromise that pleases no one
- Sources: LBC and Ipsos.
Challenges Facing Starmer’s Cabinet
Starmer is not the only member of the government facing criticism. Key figures in his Cabinet, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have also seen their approval ratings drop.
Reeves, in particular, has come under fire for her handling of economic policy, with many voters angry over the government’s decision to limit welfare benefits and cut spending on programs that support vulnerable populations. According to polls, Reeves now has a net approval rating of -29, making her one of the least popular figures in the government
- Sources: The Independent and LBC.
Angela Rayner, once seen as a potential unifying figure within Labour, has also seen her popularity decline, with a net rating of -25. Both women, along with other senior Cabinet ministers, have been unable to escape the growing discontent with the government’s performance.
Even Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who has a relatively more favourable rating of -8, is still viewed unfavourably by the majority of the public
- Source: The Independent.
Public Sentiment on the Economy and Public Services
One of the primary issues driving public dissatisfaction with Starmer and his government is the perception that they are not doing enough to address the economic challenges facing the country.
High inflation, stagnant wages, and a strained public healthcare system have left many Britons feeling that the government is out of touch with the needs of ordinary people. Despite Labour’s promises to tackle inequality and revitalize public services, many voters feel that the government’s efforts have fallen short
- Source: Ipsos.
Public services, particularly the NHS, have been under immense pressure, and strikes by healthcare workers and other public sector employees have become more frequent. The government’s handling of these strikes, combined with its perceived failure to improve working conditions and wages, has further eroded trust in Starmer’s leadership.
Many believe that the government has been slow to act and that its policies have not lived up to the ambitious rhetoric of the election campaign.
In Conclusion: Keir Starmer’s Disapproval Rating
Keir Starmer and his government are facing a growing wave of public discontent, as recent polling data shows rising disapproval of his leadership and the Labour Party as a whole.
While Starmer’s initial victory in July 2024 was seen as a mandate for change, his government’s cautious approach and unpopular policy decisions have alienated large swathes of the electorate.
As his approval ratings continue to fall, Starmer faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and convincing voters that his government is capable of delivering the transformative change that many had hoped for. Whether he can turn things around in the coming months will likely determine the future of his leadership and Labour’s prospects in the next general election.