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The Fashion Central
George Hughes

Keir Starmer’s Leadership on the Brink as Labour Faces Major Crisis

Photo by Benjamin Cremel/AFP/Getty Images

Keir Starmer’s leadership of the Labor Party has reached a critical juncture, with his approval ratings sinking to alarming levels and his policies increasingly alienating key voter groups. As polling numbers show a significant decline in support across multiple issues, it has become clear that the Labor leader’s time at the helm may end.

Despite Labour commanding a large bloc of over 400 MPs, Starmer’s leadership is seen as a growing liability. The Prime Minister’s cold, aloof persona and uncharismatic approach have failed to inspire the electorate. His policy agenda, marked by economic mismanagement, controversial educational reforms, and costly energy policies, has been described as a disaster for Labour’s re-election prospects. Most notably, Starmer’s handling of illegal migration and the questionable surrender of the Chagos Islands has further tarnished his image.

Polling data paints a bleak picture for Starmer’s future. According to YouGov, Labour’s support on key issues has plummeted. The share of voters believing Labor is the best party in the economy has dropped from 29 percent in July to just 18 percent now. Similarly, support for Labor’s stance on health has fallen from 41 percent to 26 percent; on immigration, it has decreased from 26 percent to 17 percent. Starmer’s personal approval ratings have also taken a significant hit, dropping from -7 percent in August to a staggering -40 percent.

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Furthermore, Ipsos UK’s tracking of public opinion reveals a growing disillusionment with the direction of the country under Starmer’s leadership. In August, 52 percent of people believed Britain was heading in the wrong direction; that number has now risen to 62 percent, with just 16 percent expressing optimism. When asked if Starmer has a clear plan to improve the country, only 27 percent said yes, down from 50 percent last July.

Historically, prime ministers rarely recover from such low approval ratings without a series of dramatic victories, and Starmer has yet to demonstrate any such breakthrough. While his supporters may view certain policies, such as the Chagos Islands decision, as progressive, these views have not resonated with the broader electorate.

In light of these challenges, it is increasingly unlikely that Starmer will lead Labour into the next election. With the Tories facing their internal divisions and Labour locked in a tight race with Reform, it seems that the party could secure a majority with a significantly lower vote share than expected. As Labour grapples with this reality, the focus is turning to who might replace Starmer.

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Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, is emerging as a potential successor. With a more relatable personality and broader appeal to key voter groups, Rayner could step into the leadership role long before the next election. The question now is whether Labor can turn things around, with or without Starmer at the helm.

What’s Next?

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