Keir Starmer's leadership crisis deepens as 63% of voters demand his exit
A new poll reveals growing dissatisfaction with Labour leader Keir Starmer, with 63% of voters believing he should step down. The findings also highlight strong support for Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a potential replacement, though his candidacy would force a by-election.
Concerns remain, however, about the direction a new leader might take, with many fearing a shift to the left.
Starmer’s approval rating has hit a record low of -40, according to the latest survey. The figures show that 29% of voters would prefer Burnham to take over, placing him well ahead of other contenders like Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband, who each polled at 12%.
If Burnham were to become leader, he would need to resign as Manchester Mayor and trigger a by-election to secure a parliamentary seat. Despite this, nearly 40% of voters think a new Labour leader would perform better in the next general election. Another 41% believe a replacement would handle the economy more effectively than the current Prime Minister. Yet not all voters are convinced. Over half worry that a successor would push for a more left-wing economic agenda. Meanwhile, 64% favour lower taxes, reduced public spending, and less borrowing—even at the cost of fewer public services. The poll also found that 25% of all voters—and 33% of those who backed Labour in 2019—would be more likely to support the party if it changed leaders.
The survey underscores deep divisions over Labour’s future. While Burnham leads as the preferred candidate, his potential leadership would require a by-election. At the same time, voter concerns persist about the party’s economic direction under a new leader.
With Starmer’s approval at an all-time low, the pressure for change is growing—but so are fears about the consequences.
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