Keir Starmer Faces Polling Setback as Public Favors Former Prime Ministers
The latest polling data reveals a significant challenge for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as public opinion places him behind nearly every former UK leader in head-to-head comparisons. The YouGov survey highlights a stark contrast in public sentiment, with Starmer only managing to outperform Liz Truss, the shortest-serving prime minister in British history. While 43% of respondents believe Starmer is the better leader compared to Truss’s 13%, the results paint a troubling picture for the Labour leader, who secured a landslide victory less than a year ago.
The polling underscores a broader trend of declining support for Starmer, as he trails behind other former Labour and Conservative leaders by substantial margins. Former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair leads Starmer by 35 points, with 45% of respondents favoring Blair over just 10% for Starmer. Similarly, Gordon Brown, another Labour predecessor, holds a 30-point advantage over the current prime minister. Even among Conservative leaders, Starmer struggles to gain traction, with Margaret Thatcher, Lord Cameron, and Sir John Major all preferred by significant margins.
The data also reveals that Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, despite their own controversies and electoral defeats, maintain slight leads over Starmer, though these margins fall within the survey’s margin of error. Theresa May, who resigned after failing to pass her Brexit deal, also edges out Starmer by four points. These results come as Labour’s poll ratings have plummeted since their decisive election win in July 2024, raising questions about the party’s direction and leadership.
The findings highlight a growing disconnect between Starmer and the public, with many voters seemingly nostalgic for past leaders. The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, remains a standout figure, with 44% of respondents favoring her over Starmer’s 25%. This sentiment reflects a broader unease with the current political landscape, as voters grapple with economic challenges and shifting party dynamics.
As Starmer navigates this turbulent period, the polling serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. With public confidence wavering and former leaders still casting long shadows, the prime minister faces an uphill battle to regain trust and solidify his position. The coming months will be critical for Starmer and his party as they seek to address these concerns and chart a path forward in an increasingly uncertain political climate.