Prime Minister Keir Starmer‘s early tenure as prime minister is proving challenging, as a new poll reveals that more voters now prefer Rishi Sunak’s previous Conservative government over the current Labour administration.
According to a survey conducted by the think tank More in Common, Labour’s popularity has taken a significant hit less than three months after taking office. The poll of 2,080 adults found that 31% of voters prefer Sunak’s government, compared to 29% who support Starmer’s Labour leadership.
Approval Ratings Plummet
The survey also showed a steep decline in Starmer’s net approval rating. When Labour took office, Starmer’s net approval was relatively strong, but it has now dropped to minus 27%, a decrease of 38 points.
This sharp decline comes after a series of controversies that have marked Starmer’s start in Downing Street, including criticisms over his acceptance of expensive gifts and rows over policy decisions that have frustrated voters.
Controversies and Criticisms
One of the major challenges facing Starmer’s administration has been a controversy over donations from Labour peer Lord Waheed Alli. Starmer has been criticised for accepting tens of thousands of pounds in gifts, including luxury clothing and glasses, at a time when the government has made controversial cuts, such as the reduction of winter fuel payments.
In addition, the resignation of Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield has further shaken the party. In a public resignation letter, Duffield slammed Starmer’s government for caring “more about greed and power than making a difference.” She criticised the prime minister’s acceptance of lavish gifts while continuing policies like the two-child benefit cap, which have been seen as damaging to low-income families.
Duffield’s resignation letter also highlighted frustration within the party, claiming that Labour voters and MPs are being “exploited” and “taken for granted” by the current leadership. Her departure, along with declining poll numbers, signals growing discontent within the party and the wider electorate.
Labour’s Struggles Moving Forward
With a rocky start in office, Starmer’s Labour government faces significant hurdles in regaining public trust. Voters have expressed disappointment with decisions like the winter fuel payment cuts, and high-profile resignations have brought attention to dissatisfaction within the party itself.
As Labour continues to navigate these challenges, Starmer’s leadership will need to address the concerns of both voters and MPs to prevent further decline in approval ratings and rebuild the party’s image.
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