Exclusive polling by Ipsos reveals that Britons are bracing for incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase taxes, deepen national debt, and raise government borrowing. The survey, conducted in late June 2026, shows that 56% of respondents expect Mr Burnham to increase government borrowing and the national debt, while 54% anticipate he will raise the taxes they pay personally.
Public Confusion Over Burnham's Stance
The polling also highlights a lack of clarity about what Mr Burnham stands for. Only 37% of Britons say they are clear about his positions, compared to 61% who say the same about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Confusion has deepened as Mr Burnham has approached Downing Street: the share of respondents saying they are “not clear” about him rose from 38% in mid-June to 43% at the end of the month.
A Reform UK spokesman commented: “It’s no surprise that Brits have no idea what Burnham stands for. He has been coronated as Labour leader with no proposed agenda for government and minimal scrutiny by the media. Even during the Makerfield by-election, he avoided the press like the plague. This country needs a general election; otherwise it risks being led by a completely illegitimate prime minister with no plans or ideas.”
Chancellor Contenders Garner Little Support
There is scant public backing for any of the potential candidates to succeed Rachel Reeves as Chancellor. Only 7% thought Energy Secretary Ed Miliband would do the best job, followed by former Health Secretary Wes Streeting (6%), incumbent Ms Reeves (5%), Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper (4%), and ex-deputy prime minister Angela Rayner (4%).
Contrast with Kemi Badenoch
The country expects Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch would take a radically different economic approach if she became Prime Minister. Just 39% think she would increase borrowing and the national debt, and only 40% expect she would raise personal taxes. While 47% think Mr Burnham will increase spending on public services, the same share (47%) think Mrs Badenoch would cut it.
Personality and Trust Comparisons
Mr Burnham and Mr Farage are nearly tied on having “lots of personality” (46% for Burnham, 47% for Farage), compared to just 16% for Sir Keir Starmer. However, 44% say Mr Burnham is “in touch with ordinary people”, versus fewer than one in three (32%) for Mr Farage. Four in ten (40%) consider Mr Burnham a “likeable person”, but only 23% say the same about the Reform leader. Nearly a third (32%) view Mr Burnham as an “honest person”, compared to 18% for Mr Farage.
Green Leader Zack Polanski Underperforms
Green party leader Zack Polanski performs poorly in the polling. Just 25% think he understands the problems facing Britain, and only 22% believe he acts with integrity.
Mr Burnham’s team were invited to comment. He has previously pledged to stick to Labour’s manifesto commitment not to increase the main rates of income tax, VAT, or National Insurance.
