Full Breakdown
Keir Starmer's Approval Ratings Plummet Ahead of Autumn Budget
9/3/2025, 2:22:56 PM
Record Low Approval Ratings
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has seen his approval ratings drop to a record low of minus 41, according to a recent City AM/Freshwater Strategy poll. This decline reflects growing dissatisfaction among voters regarding the Labour government's performance after a year in power. Concurrently, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's approval rating fell to minus 17, while Nigel Farage's approval slipped to minus six. The poll indicates that 57% of voters prefer tax cuts over increased spending, with 78% expressing concerns that tax hikes could harm the UK economy.
Economic Pressures and Tax Expectations
As the government prepares for a challenging Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to raise at least £20 billion in taxes to restore fiscal stability amid rising borrowing costs and low economic growth. The anticipated tax increases include higher duties on alcohol and extending national insurance to rental income, both of which received some public support. However, proposals such as introducing capital gains tax on primary property sales and reducing the tax-free pension lump sum were met with significant opposition.
Cabinet Reshuffle and Economic Strategy
In response to the plummeting approval ratings, Starmer has reshuffled his cabinet, appointing Darren Jones as chief secretary to the prime minister and bringing in former Bank of England deputy governor Minouche Shafik as his chief economic adviser. These changes aim to strengthen the government's economic strategy, but critics argue that they may signal a lack of confidence in Reeves. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith suggested that Starmer should have dismissed Reeves entirely.
Criticism and Opposition Perspectives
Critics have described the cabinet reshuffle as a superficial response to deeper issues within the government. Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake characterized the changes as indicative of a government in crisis, while Kemi Badenoch dismissed the reshuffle as merely "shifting the deckchairs on the Titanic." Labour MPs have expressed skepticism about whether personnel changes can effectively address the party's declining support, emphasizing the need for a coherent political narrative rather than just staffing adjustments.
Official Statements and Responses
Despite the criticism, Downing Street has defended the reshuffle, asserting that it reflects a strengthened relationship between Starmer and Reeves. A spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment to its fiscal rules and the importance of a unified approach to economic policy. They stated, "The Prime Minister and the Chancellor want the strongest possible team on the pitch to drive economic growth."
What's Next for Labour
As Labour prepares for its upcoming conference season, the party faces significant challenges in regaining public support. With Reform UK gaining traction and Labour's approval ratings in decline, the political landscape is shifting. The upcoming Autumn Budget will be a critical test for Starmer's government, as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with public expectations for tax relief.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The markets are getting jittery. Businesses and investors need certainty now – not waiting months until the Budget.” — Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor
- “He said: “This chaotic reshuffle shows a Downing Street in crisis – totally distracted from fixing the damage they’ve done to the economy, jobs and small businesses.” — Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative Chair
- “I think it is important for the prime minister to be able to have conversations at an equal level with the chancellor but what they really mustn’t end up doing is having rows between the two of them, having different focuses and different senses of direction. That way real chaos lies.” — Paul Johnson, Economist
- “'Unemployment has risen every single month since Labour came into office, we know that Labour are coming back for even more tax rises after a disastrous budget.” — Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Leader
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies in approval ratings reported by different sources, with YouGov indicating Labour's approval at minus 59, significantly lower than the minus 41 reported by City AM/Freshwater Strategy. Additionally, while some sources suggest that the reshuffle may undermine Reeves, others claim it strengthens her position within the government.
