Sir Keir Starmer faces a devastating blow to his leadership credentials as explosive new polling reveals nearly 70% of British voters believe he is handling the asylum hotel crisis "very badly".
The Labour leader, currently on a family holiday during the parliamentary recess, finds himself at the centre of a political firestorm. The YouGov survey for the Daily Mail exposes a critical vulnerability in Starmer's carefully crafted image of competent statesmanship.
Public Verdict: Overwhelming Disapproval
The damning statistics paint a picture of profound public discontent:
- 69% of voters believe Starmer is handling the issue badly
- Only 15% approve of his approach to the crisis
- Even among Labour voters, nearly a third express dissatisfaction
Political Fallout: Tory Advantage Widens
The polling reveals a significant political opportunity for Rishi Sunak's government, with voters trusting Conservatives more on immigration by a 15-point margin. This comes as a particular blow to Starmer, who has positioned himself as a prime minister in waiting.
"These numbers are absolutely catastrophic for Starmer," noted one senior political analyst. "To have nearly seven in ten voters rejecting your approach on such a visible issue undermines the fundamental claim to competence."
The Holiday Question: Terrible Timing?
Starmer's decision to holiday abroad during the crisis has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. While technically within parliamentary recess, the optics of being absent during a national controversy have proven damaging.
Downing Street notably declined to comment on Starmer's holiday timing, though government insiders privately acknowledge the political gift it represents.
What This Means for Labour's Immigration Strategy
The polling suggests Starmer's attempts to neutralise immigration as a political issue have backfired spectacularly. His proposal to scrap the Rwanda scheme while offering no clear alternative has left voters unconvinced of Labour's solutions.
With the next general election approaching, these numbers serve as a stark warning that the electorate remains deeply skeptical of Labour's ability to handle one of the most contentious issues in British politics.
