Approval ratings for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have dropped to a record low of -41 within his first year. This sharp decline follows a landslide election win in July 2024 that promised stability. Economic pressures and political missteps now fuel widespread discontent.
Economic Challenges
Starmer inherited a tough fiscal landscape, but critics argue his policies worsened it. Debt nears 100% of GDP, and tax hikes have stalled business hiring.
According to Bloomberg, Starmer's reset includes backroom changes to grip economic policy after early woes. Yet, growth forecasts remain downgraded.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves holds her position, but influence shifts to Darren Jones. This move signals internal tensions over strategy.
Borrowing costs now exceed levels under Liz Truss, per reports. Inflation leads the G7, and unemployment rises.
Starmer pledged no tax increases on working people, but national insurance rose by £25 billion. Critics call this a brazen betrayal.
Energy bills, promised to fall under Ed Miliband, are set to rise next year. Factory closures mount across regions.
Political Scandals and Reshuffles
A tax underpayment scandal forced Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's resignation. This triggered a major cabinet reshuffle.
New appointments include David Lammy as deputy and justice secretary, Yvette Cooper as foreign secretary. Shabana Mahmood becomes home secretary, a historic first.
The Economist notes this weakens an already fragile government. Rayner's exit poses significant risks, per ITV News.
Starmer aims to address party tensions and bolster leadership. However, rebellions over welfare cuts persist.
Insiders describe a darkening mood among supporters. Some question if Starmer can survive another summer.
Public Discontent and Polling
Starmer's favorability has fallen dramatically, marking the worst first year for any PM. Polls show Labour trailing Reform UK.
The Guardian highlights Farage amassing power outside Westminster. This networked influence challenges traditional politics.
Public sees hypocrisy in freebies amid pensioner fuel cuts. Starmer lectures on austerity while accepting perks.
CNBC reports key wins like NHS appointments up 8%, but A&E waits lengthen. Social care reform delays to 2028.
Approval hits rock bottom despite achievements. Critics warn of existential threats from far-right gains.
NY Times opines Starmer is fading before our eyes. Lack of vision blights his tenure, per Guardian.
Immigration and Social Issues
Small boat crossings surged 48% despite pledges to smash gangs. Asylum hotels expand, contradicting promises.
Starmer regretted calling mass migration damaging, then backtracked. Aides labeled him weak on this.
Pakistani grooming gangs inquiry faced resistance initially. Starmer dragged into it amid public outcry.
Two-tier policing allegations arose from 2024 riots. Starmer dismissed them as misinformation.
Justice system struggles with court backlogs at 77,000 cases. Early prisoner releases spark safety concerns.
MI5 warned against scrapping short sentences. Errors freed dangerous inmates by mistake.
Foreign Policy and Welfare Dilemmas
Starmer balances welfare and defense spending. Europe rearms, but growth stalls.
Sky News questions welfare versus warfare priorities. PM pins hopes on economic expansion.
Surrendering Chagos Islands to EU draws anti-British accusations. Global conferences prioritize over domestic fixes.
Institute for Government calls Labour's first year less than the sum of its parts. Changes abound, but cohesion lacks.
Al Jazeera video discusses why Starmer troubles mount post-landslide. Far-right gains question his grip.
These issues highlight the fragility of political honeymoons in turbulent times. Understanding them offers lessons for leaders navigating post-election realities.
