Starmer’s Struggles on Substance: Public Ratings Expose a Leadership Still in Search of Confidence

Despite a commanding majority and the promise that the “grown-ups” were back in charge after years of political turbulence, the public remains deeply sceptical of Keir Starmer’s grip on the country’s most pressing challenges. Our new polling reveals that across the board, from the economy and immigration to the NHS and crime, more voters think he is handling issues poorly than well.

#### A Lukewarm Mandate on the Economy

Starmer’s weakest area may also be the most vital: the economy. Just 28% say he is handling the economy well (9% very well, 19% fairly), while 48% rate his performance as poor (29% very poorly, 19% fairly poorly). This comes at a time when economic concern remains sky-high amongst the UK electorate.

Among Labour voters, confidence is somewhat stronger: 51% think Starmer is handling the economy well but that leaves a significant amount still dissatisfied. Alarmingly, even among younger voters aged 25–34, an age group Labour has traditionally performed well with, only 46% say he’s doing well on the economy, with 38% offering negative ratings. For voters who backed Reform UK, the verdict is almost unanimous: 75% rate Starmer’s economic performance as poor.

With inflation and growth stagnant, the public seems unconvinced that Starmer’s government is offering meaningful solutions to the cost-of-living crisis or long-term economic recovery.

#### No Breathing Room on Immigration

Starmer’s toughest scores come on immigration, where just 27% of respondents say he is handling the issue well and a striking 50% think he is doing badly. Notably, 34% selected “very poorly”, the highest “very poor” score of any issue tested.

The Labour government’s recent approach to immigration has attempted to draw a middle line between controlling irregular migration and rebuilding relations with France and the EU. Yet that message has failed to break through. Among voters aged 25–44, roughly 45% disapprove of his immigration policies. Even a significant minority of Labour’s own base (29%) say Starmer is performing poorly on immigration.

The concern is not just partisan. While Reform UK voters are almost uniformly critical (80% poor), even Liberal Democrat supporters, typically more moderate on immigration are unimpressed, with the majority (49%) disapproving of Starmer’s performance.

#### The NHS: Still a Core Issue But Still a Challenge

Health and the NHS remain one of the public’s top concerns and Starmer’s government has yet to secure a clear vote of confidence. Just 29% say he is doing well on the NHS, while 42% say the opposite. Among female voters, 46% rate his performance as poor, including 27% who say “very poor”.

The Labour government has announced NHS productivity reforms such as utilising AI and floated the controversial idea of partnering with the private sector to reduce waiting times. But after years of pandemic-driven pressure and record backlogs, the public appetite for results appears to have outpaced patience. Even Labour voters are doubtful, with 51% supportive of Starmer’s handling but 24% unconvinced.

#### Crime: The Unknown Issue

On crime and public safety, Starmer’s numbers are again negative: 27% say he is doing well, while 41% say he is doing poorly. Interestingly, crime is one area where ambivalence is high, 25% of voters answered “neither well nor poorly”, suggesting many haven’t yet seen tangible outcomes from Labour’s policies.

In its first year, the government pledged to boost neighbourhood policing and reform youth justice but continued concerns over violent crimes and antisocial behaviour have shaped public perception. Among voters aged 55–64, just 15% say Starmer is handling crime well. And among women, only 25% approve of his approach.

Download the data tables for this poll.