Sir Keir Starmer has recently achieved the dubious distinction of having the lowest approval ratings of any prime minister in the United Kingdom in over fifty years, as evidenced by a survey from IPSOS. Conducted among 1,028 participants from November 27 to December 4, the poll revealed that an overwhelming 61 percent of British voters expressed dissatisfaction with Starmer’s performance just five months into his leadership. This dissatisfaction is particularly pronounced among his own party, with nearly 40 percent of Labour supporters disapproving of their leader. These statistics suggest a significant disconnect between Starmer and the electorate, raising questions about his leadership approach and the public’s perception of Labour’s direction.
In stark contrast to Starmer’s 27 percent satisfaction rate, historical comparisons indicate that previous prime ministers have fared much better in similar timeframes. The poll results yield a net satisfaction rating of -34 percent for Starmer, surpassing the previous record lows of Gordon Brown at -23 percent in 2007 and Rishi Sunak at -22 percent in 2023. The most notable figure for context is Tony Blair, who recorded a staggering +57 percent net satisfaction rating in 1997. This historical perspective serves to underscore the extent of Starmer’s unpopularity, particularly as the Labour Party faces pressure to align with the expectations of its voter base.
The historical unpopularity of Starmer is exacerbated by increasing public skepticism regarding the socio-economic policies of his government. Specifically, confidence in the British economy has sharply declined, with just 15 percent of voters believing that conditions will improve in the following year. A significant 65 percent, conversely, fear that the situation will deteriorate further. This sentiment poses a substantial challenge for Starmer, who had previously pledged to prioritize economic growth upon taking office. Instead, his government has continued what many regard as high tax and spend policies reminiscent of the previous Conservative administration, alienating many voters who may have anticipated a different approach from Labour.
One focal point of discontent involves Labour’s proposed tax increases, which total £40 billion and include measures that some farmers perceive as an “inheritance tax raid.” This particular policy has raised alarms about the viability of family farms, suggesting that these tax hikes could force sales of ancestral lands to settle tax obligations upon the death of property owners. This situation highlights the delicate balance Starmer must maintain between meeting fiscal needs and appeasing constituents who might perceive these tax policies as overreaching or detrimental to their livelihoods.
Keiran Pedley, the Director of UK Politics at Ipsos, has commented on the implications of this poll. He remarked that Starmer’s initial reception as prime minister is indicative of the challenges Labour faces during this delicate transition of power. Despite the disappointing figures, Pedley notes that with a sizable parliamentary majority and potential time until the next general election—possibly extending as far as 2029—Labour has an opportunity to reshape its narrative and improve its standing among voters. This perspective emphasizes the importance of strategic adjustments and effective communication in addressing public discontent.
The situation presents a double-edged sword for Starmer and the Labour Party, particularly as it provides fertile ground for opposition parties like Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. Farage’s party is positioning itself to attract disenchanted Labour supporters, especially those in working-class, Brexit-influenced regions. Many voters in these demographics feel neglected by the traditional party structures of the political establishment, creating potential opportunities for Reform UK to capitalize on Starmer’s weak approval ratings. As Labour grapples with internal challenges and public skepticism, the landscape of British politics may shift dramatically, depending upon how effectively Starmer can navigate these obstacles in the coming months and years.
