Recent polling data reveals a significant portion of the British public questions the leadership of Keir Starmer. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, 50% of respondents believe Starmer should resign as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party. This sentiment has remained relatively constant since last autumn.
Public Sentiment on Starmer’s Leadership
The Ipsos survey ran from April 17 to April 21, 2026, and highlights ongoing doubts about Starmer’s viability in upcoming elections. While 36% believe he should continue, 68% feel it is unlikely he will win the next General Election.
Views on Labour’s Future
Should Starmer step down, opinions on Labour’s prospects vary. The data shows that 36% think the party would be more likely to win with a new leader, while 37% believe it would make no difference. Only 12% see Starmer as beneficial for the party’s chances in the next election.
Preferred Alternative Leadership
If a leadership change were to occur, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham emerges as the preferred choice among the public, with 17% favoring him as the next Labour leader. Among those who voted for Labour in 2024, this figure rises to 25%. However, a notable proportion of respondents—28%—either have no preference for a successor or are unsure.
- Andy Burnham: 17% (25% among 2024 Labour voters)
- Angela Rayner: 5% (10% among 2024 Labour voters)
- Wes Streeting: 4%
Politician Favourability Ratings
In terms of favourability, the survey shows stark contrasts. While 30% have a positive view of Burnham, Starmer’s rating is only 19%, with 59% holding an unfavourable opinion of him. Other notable politicians include:
- Angela Rayner: 18% favourable, 49% unfavourable
- Wes Streeting: 17% favourable, 39% unfavourable
- Rachel Reeves: 12% favourable, 57% unfavourable
Future Election Perspectives
Despite doubts about either Starmer or potential successors winning the next election, public preferences lean toward Labour over other parties. When compared to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, 40% of Britons prefer Labour, while 31% support Reform, giving Labour a lead of 9 percentage points.
General Sentiment and Societal Concerns
General sentiment among the public indicates a pessimistic outlook for the country. Around 67% feel the nation is headed in the wrong direction, while only 14% see it progressing positively. Key voter concerns include healthcare (61%), inflation and cost of living (56%), and immigration (50%).
This study, involving a representative sample of 2,262 adults across Great Britain, indicates a clear need for Labour to reassess its leadership and public perception as they approach the next general election.
