Government rejects calls for fresh ballot despite Labour leader recording worst-ever approval ratings since taking office
More than 750,000 people have signed a petition on the official Parliament website demanding an immediate general election, as Sir Keir Starmer’s popularity continues to plummet following Labour’s landslide victory in July 2024.
The petition, which states “We want an immediate general election to be held. We think the majority need and want change,” reflects growing public dissatisfaction with the Labour government just over a year into their term.
However, the Government has firmly rejected calls for a fresh ballot, which is not constitutionally due until 2029. In an official response, they stated: “This Government was elected on a mandate of change at the July 2024 General Election. Our full focus is on fixing the foundations, rebuilding Britain, and restoring public confidence in government.”
Starmer’s Approval Ratings Hit Rock Bottom
The petition comes as polling data reveals Sir Keir Starmer’s approval ratings have reached historic lows. According to YouGov polling from July 2025, just 23 per cent of Britons now have a favourable view of the Prime Minister – matching his lowest-ever rating – whilst 67 per cent view him unfavourably, giving him a net rating of minus 44.
More alarmingly for Labour, the collapse in support extends to their own voters. Half of those who voted Labour in July 2024 now have an unfavourable opinion of Starmer, marking the first time he has recorded a net negative approval rating amongst his own supporters.
The decline represents a dramatic fall from grace for a Prime Minister who won a commanding 174-seat majority just over a year ago. His net favourability rating has plummeted from minus 18 just before the election to the current minus 44.
Labour Government Under Fire
The petition reflects broader dissatisfaction with Labour’s performance in government. Recent Ipsos polling shows 48 per cent of Britons believe the Labour government is doing badly at running the country – comparable to ratings during Boris Johnson’s troubled final months in office.
Overall, 56 per cent of the public say they are disappointed with what Labour has achieved so far, with older voters particularly critical. Among those aged 55-75, 53 per cent believe the government will change Britain for the worse.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has fared no better, with 46 per cent saying she is doing a bad job – her worst rating since taking office. Her net favourability rating of minus 45 is worse than her Conservative predecessor Jeremy Hunt recorded at his final budget.
Constitutional Reality Check
Despite the strength of feeling expressed in the petition, constitutional experts note there is no mechanism within the UK system that allows the public to directly trigger an early general election through petitions.
Under the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, only the Prime Minister can request a dissolution of Parliament from the King, typically only done when the government sees political advantage or has lost the confidence of the Commons.
The Government’s response to the petition emphasised their commitment to their five-year mandate: “This Government is fixing the foundations and delivering change with investment and reform to deliver growth, with more jobs, more money in people’s pockets, to rebuild Britain and get the NHS back on its feet.
Pattern of Petitions
This is not the first petition calling for a general election to gain significant traction. In January 2025, a similar petition reached 2.8 million signatures and was debated in Parliament, though it ultimately had no electoral consequences.
Another petition launched in November 2024 calling for a general election reached over 3 million signatures – though fact-checkers later debunked claims it had reached 6 million.
Under parliamentary rules, petitions receiving 10,000 signatures get a government response, whilst those reaching 100,000 signatures are considered for debate by the Petitions Committee. However, such debates rarely result in policy changes when they concern fundamental constitutional matters.
Economic Concerns Drive Dissatisfaction
Much of the public dissatisfaction appears driven by economic concerns and controversial policy decisions. Labour has faced criticism over decisions including changes to winter fuel payments for pensioners and tax rises affecting businesses.
An Ipsos poll from April 2025 found 60 per cent lack confidence in Labour’s long-term economic plan, whilst only 27 per cent believe the government will change Britain for the better.
The opposition has sought to capitalise on Labour’s unpopularity. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has seen his own ratings improve, with his party now viewed more positively than Labour by the British public for the first time – 35 per cent view Reform favourably compared to just 29 per cent for Labour.
Government Stands Firm
Despite the pressure, the Government shows no signs of wavering. Their official response emphasised: “This will be built on the strong foundations of a stable economy, national security and secure borders as we put politics back in the service of working people.
With no constitutional requirement to call an election before 2029, and a substantial parliamentary majority, Labour can weather the storm of public opinion – at least in the short term. However, with local elections due in May 2026, the party will face its first major electoral test since taking power.
Political analysts note that whilst petitions can generate headlines and force parliamentary debates, they rarely result in fundamental constitutional changes. The real test for Starmer’s government will be whether they can reverse their declining popularity before facing voters at the ballot box again.
For now, despite the hundreds of thousands demanding immediate change, Britain’s constitutional framework means the electorate must wait until 2029 – unless the government loses the confidence of Parliament or the Prime Minister chooses to go to the country early.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
Image Credit (Shortened):
Keir Starmer visits Northern Ireland (8 July 2024, Stormont) — by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, licensed under OGL v3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
