Keir Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, is facing a serious popularity crisis. Once hailed as a strong alternative to Conservative leadership, his approval ratings have now dropped to alarming levels. A recent poll suggests that Britons view him less favorably than almost every Conservative leader, except for one—Theresa May.
What has led to this dramatic fall in public perception? From controversial policies to internal party conflicts, this article explores the reasons behind Starmer’s declining approval and his standing against past Tory leaders.
Starmer’s Approval Ratings Take a Nosedive
Polls show that Keir Starmer’s approval rating has collapsed since his victory in the 2024 general election. According to a More in Common poll, Starmer’s net approval rating has fallen to -38, marking a staggering 49-point decline since he took office in July 2024.
Another Ipsos survey from early 2025 found that 61% of Britons are dissatisfied with his leadership—his highest dissatisfaction rating since he became Labour leader.
These numbers indicate a significant shift in public opinion, with Starmer struggling to maintain the trust of both his supporters and the general electorate.
Starmer vs. Tory Leaders: How Does He Compare?
The public’s perception of Starmer has worsened so much that he is now rated lower than most recent Conservative leaders. A YouGov poll from February 2025 compared his leadership with past prime ministers:
- Boris Johnson – 35% say he was a better leader than Starmer, while 32% prefer Starmer over Johnson.
- Rishi Sunak – 33% think Sunak was more competent, compared to 30% who favor Starmer.
- Theresa May – The only exception! Starmer leads slightly, with 28% favoring him over 32% who still see May as the better leader.
This comparison underscores a harsh reality—Britons now have a more favorable view of leaders from a party they voted out just months ago.
What’s Behind Starmer’s Falling Popularity?
Several political missteps, scandals, and policy failures have contributed to Starmer’s approval crisis.
1. Winter Fuel Payment Controversy
One of the biggest blows to Starmer’s reputation came from his government’s decision to scrap the winter fuel paymentfor all but the poorest pensioners. This move sparked public outrage and protests as millions of elderly Britons faced rising energy bills.
For a party that campaigned on social justice, this decision alienated a key voter base—pensioners who once backed Labour in 2024.
2. The “Freebies” Scandal
In late 2024, reports emerged that Starmer had accepted over £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality, including:
- Concert tickets
- Luxury clothing
- Expensive meals
The revelations triggered accusations of hypocrisy, given that Starmer has previously criticized politicians for accepting lavish gifts. In response, he reimbursed the money and pledged stricter donation guidelines—but the damage was already done.
3. Internal Conflicts & Lack of Clear Vision
Even within the Labour Party, Starmer is facing growing dissent. Critics argue that:
- His policies lack direction and consistency.
- He is failing to deliver on key election promises.
- There is a disconnect between his leadership and Labour’s traditional working-class base.
Left-wing members of the party have also expressed frustration, believing that Starmer’s cautious, centrist approach is alienating voters rather than attracting them.
The Broader Implications for Labour
Labour’s landslide victory in 2024 was seen as a rejection of Conservative rule. However, public frustration with Starmer could signal an early shift in voter sentiment.
- Could Labour lose support before the next election?
- Will Starmer face a leadership challenge from within his own party?
- Is there a risk of the Tories making a political comeback?
If Starmer cannot rebuild public trust and reverse his declining approval, these questions may become real political challenges for Labour in the years ahead.
Conclusion: Can Starmer Recover?
Keir Starmer’s falling popularity paints a worrying picture for Labour. He now ranks below nearly all past Conservative leaders, with Theresa May being the only exception. A combination of controversial policies, scandals, and leadership missteps has eroded his public support.
To recover from this crisis, Starmer must:
- Clarify his vision for Britain—show voters why he deserves their trust.
- Address internal party divisions—unite Labour members behind a clear strategy.
- Rebuild public confidence—especially among key voter groups like pensioners and working-class supporters.
The next few months will be crucial. If Starmer cannot turn things around, Labour may face major political consequences before the next general election.
