Immigration and the cost of living.
The leader is set to remain in position for at most another year, with a majority of more than two thirds (68 per cent) indicating that he is performing poorly, within just the initial six months of taking the job.
Will serve as Britain’s next Prime Minister.
A bombshell poll emerges as speculation grows in Westminster about Sir Keir’s future, following a disappointing beginning to his time as prime minister.
Since Labour’s landslide victory last July, the party has been hindered by a series of setbacks, which include disputes over changes to farmers’ inheritance tax exemptions, a tax increase on private school fees and privileges granted to donors and lobbyists.
Last night, one Labour MP stated confidentially: ‘If this poll does not trigger any alarm in Downing Street, then we are truly in a desperate situation.’
Unfortunately, what I and my fellow Labour colleagues are encountering on the streets is now becoming increasingly clear.
There has never been significant backing for Keir, but after a long series of mistakes – including axing winter fuel payments and increasing taxes – what little support there was for the Prime Minister has completely evaporated.
A new survey conducted exclusively by Deltapoll indicates that a staggering 69 percent of people believe the nation is heading in a negative direction, with the cost-of-living crisis and the state of the National Health Service taking top spots as main areas of concern.
Approximately 33 percent reported being especially concerned about the economy, with 14 percent expressing anxiety regarding the impact of high taxes on them and their loved ones.
Sixteen percent are concerned about the issue of record immigration, with more than six in ten people thinking the number of immigrants arriving in the UK should be reduced. Approximately 68% wish for the Government to implement a limit on the number of lawful migrants allowed into the UK each year.
In spite of this, Labour is still leading on voting intention, with 30 percent of those polled indicating they intend to support the party at the next General Election. This percentage is higher than 23 percent for the Conservatives and 22 percent for Reform.
Currently, the Labour Party trails the Conservatives in both leadership and economic management. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and shadow chancellor Mel Stride are narrowly perceived as a more suitable replacement for Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves in handling the economy.
Among Labour supporters, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is seen as the likely future leader in No 10, whereas those who backed the Conservative Party in the last general election believe in Boris Johnson’s return to front-line politics.
Polling takes place as Members of Parliament will debate a petition calling for a rerun of the General Election, following its collection of 2.8 million signatures.
The outcome of the Westminster Hall debate cannot trigger a re-vote, but Kemi Badenoch has used the highly popular petition to retort to Sir Keir, stating that it demonstrated ‘two million people asking him to step down’.
Last night, Labour sources claimed that the pressure will intensify on the Prime Minister if he faces a series of defeats in the local elections this May and any by-elections, and if he is unsuccessful in resolving the small boats crisis.
One more comment was added last night: “The party will turn against him.”
‘It is extremely challenging to remove a Labor leader, but he may become an ineffective prime minister and the pressure will increase for him to step down.’
Members of parliament have expressed that it is difficult to envision a path for Sir Keir to exit Downing Street as people remain unhappy with the situation. “It’s challenging to remove a Labour leader,” they noted, “You can’t simply have men in grey suits instructing them to step down.”
According to some, the number of Labour MPs with slim majorities – who worry they might lose their seats unless voter support increases – will begin to put pressure on Sir Keir. One Labour source stated: “If he’s not prepared to be decisive on issues like the small boats immigration and benefits, then what’s the point of him? Nearly all the seats are vulnerable. If MPs start rebelling, Sir Keir will face growing demands to step down.”
Joe Twyman, co-founder and director of Deltapoll, said: “It’s already six months since Keir Starmer moved into 10 Downing Street, and his current poll rating likely raises concerns. With well over four years to go before the next election, some may think Rishi Sunak still has plenty of time to improve his position.
‘However, the trend of the polls has been a decline, and unless economic conditions show a notable improvement, enhancing the numbers may indeed be a challenging task.
‘While not exactly a Winter of Discontent, this is unmistakably a period of widespread discontent, and as 2025 begins, the surveys will hardly bring joyful optimism to the Labour Party.
‘Across various indicators, the public are clearly dissatisfied, and Keir Starmer will be hoping that a reversal can occur in the upcoming year. A more optimistic view on the economy from the British public will be essential.’
However, one Labour source downplayed claims that Sir Keir may soon be leaving the position of Prime Minister, stating: “The public has grown accustomed to great instability at the head of government. They anticipate prime ministers to change every five minutes.”
‘Keir was chosen to put an end to that disorder. That’s precisely what he will accomplish. If it requires navigating through difficult circumstances and demonstrating that we can bring about change over the long term, that is indeed what he will do.’
- Between December 30, 2024, and January 3, 2025, Deltapoll conducted online interviews with 1,144 British adults. The results have been adjusted to accurately reflect the views of the entire British adult population.
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