Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s net favourability has taken a significant hit since his landslide election victory in July, according to recent research conducted by Savanta. The data reveals a stark decline of 28 points among 2024 Labour voters, indicating a noticeable drop in support for the Labour leader post-election.
Subheading: Decrease in Support Among Labour Voters
The research conducted by Savanta shows a clear downward trend in Keir Starmer’s favourability among Labour voters. Prior to his speech at the Labour Party Conference, Starmer’s net favourability rating among Labour voters plummeted from +71 in early July to +43 in late September. This decline underscores a sharp decrease in support for the Prime Minister within his own party following the election.
Furthermore, Starmer’s favourability rating among the wider public has also experienced a notable decline. From a high of +15 in late July, his rating has dropped to -11, marking a 26-point decrease and reaching the lowest levels since July 2021. This dip in public support comes at a critical time for Starmer as he navigates challenges within the party and attempts to regain momentum post-election.
Subheading: Impact of Policy Programme
In addition to the decline in favourability, there has been a noticeable decrease in support for Keir Starmer’s policy programme since the election. Only 28% of the public now express positive sentiments towards both Starmer and his policies, reflecting a 10-point drop from the previous research conducted by Savanta. This shift highlights a disconnect between Starmer’s leadership and the public’s perception of his policy direction.
Moreover, the research indicates an eight-point decrease in the proportion of the public who express support for both Starmer and the Labour Party, dropping from 37% to 29%. This decline suggests a broader disillusionment with the Labour Party under Starmer’s leadership, raising questions about the party’s ability to resonate with voters and effectively communicate its policy agenda.
Subheading: Challenges Ahead for Keir Starmer
Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta, acknowledges the uphill battle that Keir Starmer faces as he prepares to deliver his first conference speech as Prime Minister. Hopkins notes that while Starmer remains relatively popular among his own voters, the significant drop in support post-election presents a formidable challenge for the Labour leader.
The cumulative impacts of various factors, including summer unrest, controversial policy decisions, and ongoing scrutiny over donations and hospitality, have contributed to the decline in Starmer’s favourability. These challenges have eroded the government’s popularity at a time when it should be capitalizing on its election victory and setting a positive tone for the future.
In conclusion, Keir Starmer’s diminishing support among Labour voters and the wider public underscores the complexities of leadership in a post-election landscape. As he navigates these challenges and seeks to regain momentum, Starmer must address the underlying factors contributing to his declining favourability and reconnect with voters to build a stronger foundation for his leadership.
