Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, has been a prominent figure in British politics since he took the reins of the opposition in April 2020. As the Labour leader, Starmer’s approval rating has fluctuated, often serving as a critical indicator of the public’s sentiment toward his leadership and the direction of the Labour Party. This article explores Keir Starmer’s approval ratings, the factors influencing them, and what they mean for his future in British politics.
The Journey of Keir Starmer as Labour Leader
Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, succeeded Jeremy Corbyn as the leader of the Labour Party after Corbyn’s resignation following the 2019 general election defeat. Starmer’s ascension to the leadership was seen by many as a pivot toward a more moderate and centrist approach after years of internal party divisions over Corbyn’s left-wing policies.
When Starmer first assumed leadership, he benefited from a relatively positive initial reception. His calm demeanor, professional background, and clear contrast with the controversial leadership of Boris Johnson were seen as refreshing. The country was also reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Starmer’s measured approach to crisis management resonated with many voters.
Early Success and High Approval
In the first year of his leadership, Starmer enjoyed relatively high approval ratings. Many polls showed that the Labour leader was seen as a competent and credible figure, particularly compared to the polarizing figure of Boris Johnson. During the early days of the pandemic, the public appreciated Starmer’s serious and calm approach to the national health crisis. This period marked a high point for his approval, with some polls suggesting that Starmer was more trusted than the Prime Minister on key issues.
Recovery and Recent Stability
In 2024, Starmer’s approval rating began to stabilize. Following the resignation of Liz Truss and the subsequent leadership of Rishi Sunak, Starmer was able to present himself as a steady and experienced leader, in contrast to the perceived instability of the Conservative government. His focus on economic issues, particularly the cost-of-living crisis, resonated with voters, and the public started to view him as a more viable alternative to the Conservatives.
Factors Influencing Keir Starmer’s Approval Rating
Keir Starmer’s approval rating is shaped by a variety of factors, both internal to the Labour Party and external in the wider political environment:
The Economy and Public Opinion: One of the most significant factors impacting Starmer’s approval rating is the state of the UK economy. In times of economic hardship, opposition parties typically benefit from public dissatisfaction with the government. Starmer’s approval often rises when the Conservative government is seen as failing to address key economic issues such as inflation, housing, and job security. However, when the economy is perceived to be improving, Starmer’s ratings tend to dip.
Government Scandals and Leadership Failures: Starmer’s approval ratings have also been influenced by scandals and leadership failures within the Conservative government. For example, during the Downing Street party scandals or the controversy surrounding the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Starmer saw an uptick in support as he positioned himself as a strong and ethical alternative to the government.
Internal Labour Party Dynamics: The dynamics within the Labour Party itself also play a crucial role in shaping Starmer’s approval. His leadership has been marked by efforts to unite a divided party, with some left-wing factions still loyal to Corbyn’s vision. The internal party conflicts, particularly around issues like economic policy and foreign relations, have sometimes undermined Starmer’s ability to project a clear and unified vision to the public.
FAQs
What is Keir Starmer’s current approval rating?
As of early 2025, Keir Starmer’s approval rating has shown signs of stability, though it remains far from overwhelming. Various polling agencies, such as YouGov and Ipsos MORI, suggest that his ratings hover in the moderate range, with a mixed response from the public. Starmer’s approval tends to rise during periods of government scandals or economic crises but dips when the Conservative government is perceived to be managing national affairs competently. While his ratings are improving compared to the lows seen during previous years, they are still behind the levels necessary to present a strong challenge to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s leadership.
How did Keir Starmer’s approval rating fluctuate after he became Labour leader?
Keir Starmer’s approval rating saw significant fluctuations after he became Labour leader in April 2020. Initially, he enjoyed a surge in popularity due to his calm and professional approach during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voters appreciated his contrast to the chaotic handling of the crisis by the Conservative government. However, as the pandemic dragged on and the country faced economic difficulties, Starmer’s approval began to decline. His criticisms of the government were sometimes seen as lacking clarity and his ability to lead the Labour Party out of internal divisions became a point of contention. By 2022, his approval rating had dipped as voters expressed dissatisfaction with his performance and the party’s direction.
Has Keir Starmer’s approval rating been affected by scandals within the Labour Party?
Yes, scandals within the Labour Party have had a direct impact on Keir Starmer’s approval ratings. As a leader, Starmer has worked to distance himself from the controversies surrounding his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn, and to stabilize the party. However, internal divisions, particularly among Corbyn’s supporters, have sometimes led to negative publicity and criticism of Starmer’s leadership. These internal conflicts have sometimes caused the public to question his ability to unite the party and present a clear alternative to the Conservatives. However, when Starmer has successfully managed internal disputes or distanced Labour from more contentious issues, it has helped boost his approval, though not always in the long term.
The Bottom Line
Keir Starmer’s approval ratings tell a complex story of a leader navigating a challenging political environment. While he has experienced moments of high approval, particularly when the Conservative government has faltered, he has also faced significant challenges in establishing a clear and compelling alternative to the ruling party. As we move into 2025, Starmer’s future will depend on his ability to unite the Labour Party, address key economic concerns, and present a bold vision for the country.
To read more, Click here
