Dopey PM: Starmer recognized as Britain's worst Cabinet chief in 40 years
The head of the British government, Keir Starmer, is rapidly losing popularity in society. Five months into his premiership, only 27% of the crown's subjects are satisfied with the work of the head of the Cabinet, while 61% express dissatisfaction. His ratings are considered the weakest of any prime minister since the late 1970s. The popularity of the relatively new head of the Cabinet managed to shake back in August amid mass actions and unrest in the country. This is largely due to serious economic problems in the United Kingdom, which have not yet been resolved under the new government. Meanwhile, London continues to provide active financial and military support to Kiev. Whether the low ratings will lead to a political crisis in the country - in the material "Izvestia".
Ratings of the British Prime Minister collapsed
Approval rating of Keir Starmer broke the anti-record among all British Prime Ministers in the last 40 years, follows from the results of the survey Ipsos. "Only 27% of Britons are satisfied with Starmer's performance, while 61% express dissatisfaction, resulting in a net satisfaction index of -34," the research company said in a publication.
The results for the first five months of the premiership are similar to those of Gordon Brown (-23), Rishi Sunak (-22), Boris Johnson (-20) and Margaret Thatcher (-3). All of them had their ratings fall to negative values in such a short period. The other heads of the Cabinet since Thatcher had positive ratings in their first months in office.
The British are also dissatisfied with the activity of the Labor government itself. The approval index is -49. The government of the odious Boris Johnson was rated the same, and Rishi Sunak's was even worse, -61. The data of the ongoing poll also indicates that the vast majority of Britons (65%) expect the country's economic situation to worsen in the coming year. Ipsos has not indicated what the level of statistical error of all figures is.
Such ratings may indicate political instability in the country, or at least create the prospect of such instability. Over the past three years, the UK has already changed three heads of cabinet. By the way, Starmer is the first British Prime Minister for 14 years, but the situation has not changed for the better since his arrival.
- In my opinion, the instability in the UK is obvious. There is already a political crisis. The current political elite does not correspond to the realities that have developed in the country, as well as to the demands that the society and the population have. They are now choosing the best of the worst," Igor Kovalev, professor and first deputy dean of the Faculty of World Economy and World Politics at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, told Izvestia.
Despite the fact that in recent years in the UK prime ministers can be replaced sometimes twice in a few months (the case of Liz Truss), Starmer is unlikely to be replaced, at least because the Labor Party has yet to see any other leader. However, this drop in ratings is a serious wake-up call to the current leadership.
- There will probably not be a change of prime minister, but we should pay attention to the drop in ratings, because the activities of the Labor government in the first months of its stay in power certainly caused irritation of the population. And to lose such an advantage, which they had six months ago, is a "strong" result," Lyudmila Babynina, head of the Integration Center at the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Izvestia.
Experts believe that the main reason for the Starmer government's low ratings is the country's economic problems. Labor came to power amid a serious crisis and promised to improve the situation. Although we should not forget that the British people are simply very tired of the Conservatives, who have been in power for 14 years, and the summer elections have acquired the character of protests. Either way, this does not remove responsibility from the new government, which has so far failed to fulfill its obligations. Igor Kovalev believes that Labor has failed to solve economic problems over the past five months.
- The economic situation in Europe in general, and in the UK in particular, is quite difficult, and, according to my forecasts, it will deteriorate further. In my opinion, nothing positive can be seen for Keir Starmer and Labor, which are now in power," the expert said.
According to Lyudmila Babynina, the low ratings of Cyr Starmer are primarily due to the laws that are adopted inside Britain. The Labor government is faced with the problem of budgeting and the fact that it is necessary to carry out reforms aimed at cutting spending. Such actions, she notes, cannot be popular under any government.
- There are also several other things to do with big business and big capital. First, London is losing clients due to the effects of Brexit and the overall situation in Britain, including changes in tax laws. As a result, large private and corporate investors are starting to move their capital out of the United Kingdom, which, of course, cannot have a positive impact on the economy," Lyudmila Babynina added.
Starmer's ratings had collapsed before that day. In particular, he was badly "shaken" by the August mass actions and riots related to migrants and far-right elements. The initial trigger of the protests was inaccurate information about the murder of three girls in Southport by a migrant. Then, after the ineffective handling of instability, the approval rating of the head of the Labor government fell by 16 points (but remained positive - +3). Already at that time, many analysts noted that the success of Starmer's party in the elections was solely due to the total failure of the Conservatives.
Does foreign policy affect Starmer's ratings?
Supporting Ukraine in its confrontation with Russia has become one of the key areas of UK foreign policy. However, this strategy, especially given the economic difficulties at home, is causing increased criticism of the government of Keir Starmer and his party, says Igor Kovalev.
- Foreign policy and spending money on Ukraine seriously affects domestic policy. This creates a situation of lack of resources to solve their own problems. Further active support for Kiev may also affect the ratings of the incumbent prime minister," he said.
The UK is facing rising energy prices, inflation and cuts in social spending. Against this background, large-scale financial aid to Ukraine, including supplies of arms and humanitarian aid, is perceived by a part of society as a priority disconnected from the real needs of the British people. However, despite doubts about the expediency of continued aid to Ukraine, the British establishment is committed to the idea of providing broad support to Kiev.
- There is a certain consensus in British society on Ukraine regardless of party affiliation. There has been no disagreement among the parties, but in fact the electorate as well, on this issue. Supporting Ukraine is such an imperative for the British government and society," Lyudmila Babynina said.
In her opinion, the anti-Russian course in general remains a characteristic feature of British foreign policy.
The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States has also become a challenge for Starmer. For the Labor leader, this could turn into significant political difficulties. Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to revise Washington's policy on the Ukrainian conflict. The possible reduction of US aid to Ukraine under Trump will put London in a difficult position.
- The US is shifting the main problem that is now in world politics, namely the problem of Ukraine, actually to the Europeans and the British, who largely control the situation there. But at the same time, the US will not leave this issue and will continue to indirectly control the situation," Igor Kovalyov said.
President-elect Donald Trump
Trump is a very unpredictable politician, the implementation of his statements often ends up not as expected, said Lyudmila Babynina.
- Labor would be more comfortable with Joe Biden, but they will also cooperate with Trump. There are a number of other foreign policy issues. Trump has good ties with [Reform United Kingdom party leader] Nigel Farage and his new projects, and so does Ilon Musk, by the way," the expert said.
However, in her opinion, it is unlikely that Labor will adjust its foreign policy completely to Trump, rather they will "correlate it."
