Keir Starmer’s ratings have dropped to an all-time low following an eventful year as Prime Minister. His approval rating fell by 6 points to -41%, his lowest ever ranking in the audience-rated polls by Opinium, for the period between June 25 and July 9.
Just 18% of people believed Keir Starmer is doing a good job as PM, while a staggering 60% disapproved of his work in the lead position. There have only been three occasions in recent years when a party leader had a worse Opinium approval rating: Liz Truss after the fallout of the mini budget at -72%; Boris Johnson when he resigned as Tory party leader at -44%; and Boris Johnson immediately after Partygate at -42%.
Only 18% of people approved of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch’s work, the same as Starmer, although her disapproval rate was lower at 37%, rounding her result at -19%.
Those who voted Labour in 2024 also showed a lack of confidence in the PM, in a humiliating blow to Starmer. Two in five voters (41%) had a positive view of how he has handled the job, while 37% disapproved.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ rating was almost as dismal at -39%, a fall of two points since June 11, with 14% who said she has done a good job compared to 53% who didn’t.
The polls coincide with a challenging time for Number 10, including Labour being forced to make a U-turn on plans to cut disability and sickness-related payments for existing and future claimants.
Following significant backlash and a Labour MP rebellion, the PM announced the cuts would only apply to new claimants.
Labour also made a huge U-turn on proposed cuts to Winter Fuel Payments. After causing nationwide outrage, the payment was restored for the vast majority of pensioners who previously received it, which has been estimated at around 9 million people.
A week ago, there were also extraordinary scenes at PMQs when Reeves burst into tears, which she put down to a “personal issue” rather than politics.
James Crouch, head of policy and public affairs at Opinium, said: “With the Chancellor’s own ratings not far behind Starmer’s, questions will only intensify about how Downing Street plan to dig themselves out of the hole they’re now in.”