Story perspectives

Progressive Voters Desert Labour; Burnham Leads Amid Starmer Criticism

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

UCL Policy Lab poll finds progressive voters abandoning Labour because Keir Starmer lacks a clear progressive narrative.
Three-quarters view Starmer negatively, prompting a possible leadership challenge before Thursday’s elections.
Focus groups want a values-based Iran war explanation and more radical policies on public services, taxation, climate and EU integration.
Andy Burnham leads with a one-third favorable rating that could rise if Labour opposes President Donald Trump.

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Story summary

UCL Policy Lab poll finds progressive voters abandoning Labour because Keir Starmer lacks a clear progressive narrative.
Three-quarters view Starmer negatively, prompting a possible leadership challenge before Thursday’s elections.
Focus groups want a values-based Iran war explanation and more radical policies on public services, taxation, climate and EU integration.
Andy Burnham leads with a one-third favorable rating that could rise if Labour opposes President Donald Trump.