“Keir Starmer Admits Labour Ministers ‘Don’t Always Get It Right’ as Approval Ratings Hit Record Low”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly acknowledged that some Labour ministers “occasionally don’t get it quite right,” as he faces growing criticism and rapidly declining approval ratings. Speaking candidly at the Commons Liaison Committee, Starmer’s remarks come amid a series of political missteps and public policy backlashes that have sent Labour’s popularity spiraling to its lowest point since the General Election.

With approval ratings crashing and internal dissent brewing, Starmer’s government is under increasing pressure to course-correct. From controversial ministerial comments to unpopular welfare decisions and ongoing scandals, the Labour Party’s post-election honeymoon appears to be well and truly over.

The Admission: ‘Ministers Don’t Always Get It Right’

In a moment of political humility, Keir Starmer told MPs that his ministers aren’t immune to mistakes. “They occasionally don’t get it quite right,” he admitted, adding that when they do misstep, “they usually apologise and are quite right to do so.”

The statement came as Starmer fielded questions about ministerial conduct, language, and public accountability. His comments seem aimed at softening public frustration following several gaffes and controversies that have rocked the government’s image.

Starmer positioned his leadership as one of openness and responsibility—an attempt to contrast with what many perceived as a lack of transparency under previous Conservative administrations. However, critics argue that apologies alone won’t be enough to rebuild public trust after weeks of political turbulence.

Darren Jones Controversy and Fallout

One of the flashpoints prompting Starmer’s comments is the recent controversy surrounding Treasury Minister Darren Jones. In an interview, Jones referred to disability benefits as “pocket money”—a remark that was widely condemned as insensitive and out of touch.

The backlash was immediate. Disability rights organizations, opposition MPs, and even some within Labour’s own ranks slammed the comment. Jones later issued a public apology, calling his remarks “tactless” and “not well considered.”

While the apology may have quelled some outrage, the incident further fueled a growing narrative that Labour is struggling to communicate effectively with voters and is vulnerable to self-inflicted wounds. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Labour’s approval ratings are already in freefall.

Labour’s Free-Falling Approval Ratings

The political cost of recent missteps is now becoming painfully clear. According to a YouGov poll, Labour’s overall approval has plummeted to just 14%—its lowest point since the 2024 General Election. Starmer’s own numbers are even more dramatic, with his personal approval rating plunging 49 points to a shocking -38.

This represents one of the steepest drops in political favorability for a sitting UK Prime Minister in decades, raising serious concerns about the government’s direction, communication strategy, and internal discipline.

Analysts suggest that while the post-election period should have been a time for Labour to consolidate public support, a combination of policy missteps and controversies has undermined its credibility with voters.

Backlash Over Pension Reforms

Another major factor contributing to Labour’s troubles is the government’s decision to overhaul winter fuel payments. Under the new policy, the benefit will be eliminated for all but the poorest pensioners—a move that has sparked outrage from trade unions, grassroots Labour members, and opposition parties.

Labour MPs have described the policy as “tone-deaf,” accusing the leadership of alienating a key segment of their voter base. The backlash has exposed fault lines within the party, as MPs and local councillors push back against what they see as unnecessarily harsh economic decisions.

The government’s messaging on the issue has done little to calm fears, and critics warn that unless addressed, the policy could cost Labour dearly in upcoming local and national elections.