Leader Approval Ratings: Farage Extends Lead, Starmer Slides Further, Badenoch Fades into the Background

The latest approval ratings from our poll on the 15th May reinforce a growing divide in public sentiment toward the UK’s three main political leaders. Nigel Farage has further consolidated his position as the country’s most popular political figure, while Keir Starmer’s support continues to erode amid voter frustrations with his party’s start to government. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch remains largely stagnant, struggling to convert recognition into meaningful momentum as disapproval creeps upward.

Keir Starmer

After enjoying a boost in early March, where his approval reached 34% following positive international engagements, Keir Starmer’s public standing has deteriorated steadily. As of 15 May, only 29% of voters approve of his performance (8% strongly approve, 21% approve), down from 32% on 7 May and 34% in early March. His disapproval rating now stands at 47% (17% disapprove, 30% strongly disapprove), up significantly from 42% in the previous wave and 42% in March.

What’s more, Starmer’s “strongly disapprove” category has grown to 30%, its highest level yet, indicating hardening opposition. Among Labour’s 2024 voters, 37% still strongly approve but 15% now disapprove, a sign of mounting internal frustration likely spurred by his controversial recent shift to the right including his “island of strangers” speech. Criticised for its resemblance to Enoch Powell’s inflammatory rhetoric, the backlash may have turned off younger voters, with his approval among 18–24s now dropping to 33%, down from 36% in March.

The share of voters who neither approve nor disapprove has fallen slightly (21% from 22%), suggesting voters are no longer sitting on the fence, they’re increasingly dissatisfied.

Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch’s ratings remain subdued and her path to building strong public appeal appears increasingly constrained. As of 15 May, her net approval stands at -12, with just 24% approving (6% strongly, 18% approve), down slightly from 30% in both March and early May. More significantly, her disapproval has risen to 36% (15% disapprove, 21% strongly disapprove), up from 29% on 7 May and 28% in March.

Badenoch continues to suffer from a high neutrality score, 29% neither approve nor disapprove, suggesting that while she is visible, her leadership remains undefined for many voters. Among Conservative 2024 voters, 50% approve (down from 52% in March), while 17% disapprove and 30% are neutral.

Demographically, her disapproval is highest among older voters, 48% of those aged 55-64 now strongly disapprove and her approval is highest among men (28%) and younger voters with those aged 18–24 showing 31% approval for her.

Nigel Farage

Nigel Farage’s approval ratings continue to climb, making him the only leader with a net positive score. As of 15 May, his total approval sits at 40% (17% strongly approve, 23% approve), holding steady from 41% on 7 May and up notably from 38% in March.

His disapproval now sits at 33% (10% disapprove, 23% strongly disapprove), which has ticked up slightly from 25% last week but remains lower than both Starmer and Badenoch. His base is solidifying with 82% of Reform UK voters strongly approving of his leadership while his cross-party appeal continues. He is now approved of by 51% (down from 59% in early May) of Conservative voters and even 39% (down from 40% in early May) of Labour voters.

Among 18–24s, Farage now has 44% approving of his leadership (down from 50% in early May). His approval among voters aged 55–64 (32%) and 65+ (42%) remains strong but these groups also show high levels of disapproval, highlighting his divisive nature.

The percentage of voters who “neither approve nor disapprove” of Farage remains high at 20% but the trend over the past two months shows a steady decline (26% in early May), indicating that more voters are forming firm opinions and most are leaning favourable.

The leader approval data from 15 May illustrates the deepening divide between a political class that is losing support and a populist challenger who is steadily building it. Keir Starmer’s fall from a post-March high has symbolised voters’ lack of confidence that he can fix the concerns they have. Once a symbol of cautious statesmanship, his recent tone on immigration may have turned off key voter blocs on the Labour left and younger voters.

Kemi Badenoch should be even more concerned, many have yet to make their mind up on her and those who have, disapprove of her, especially the older generation. Despite leading the Conservative Party, she has not broken through with the electorate in any significant way.

Nigel Farage, meanwhile, is converting momentum into dominance. His approval is growing across age groups and his net favourability continues to outpace both establishment rivals. With trust in the Conservatives collapsing and Labour alienating parts of its base, Farage now stands as the most formidable force in British politics heading into the next general election.

Download the data tables for this poll.