Burnham Leads in Public Confidence
A new Ipsos poll reveals that 35% of the British public think Andy Burnham would make a good Prime Minister, compared to 24% who believe he would do a bad job. This makes him the only major party leader with a net positive rating on this question.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch received 29% support, while 37% said she would perform poorly. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage fared worst, with 53% saying he would be a bad PM and only 27% expressing confidence. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and Green Party’s Zack Polanski also scored below Burnham.
Path to Leadership Clearer
Burnham’s route to Downing Street became clearer after Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones announced he would not stand against him. Jones told Sky News he had a ‘reassuring conversation’ with Burnham about his economic plans, which convinced him not to enter the race. Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has not yet ruled out a contest, though he is seen as unlikely to beat the favourite.
Public Wants a Contest
Despite Burnham’s frontrunner status, the Ipsos poll shows 39% of respondents want a leadership contest, compared to just 13% who prefer a coronation. This suggests unease with an uncontested succession. Additionally, more than six in ten people doubt Labour can provide ‘strong and stable leadership’ – a sentiment likely influenced by Keir Starmer’s resignation just days earlier.
Keiran Pedley, Ipsos Director of Politics, commented: ‘Given that Andy Burnham is seen as more likely to do a good job as Prime Minister than Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch it is reasonable to suggest that a Burnham led Labour Party could improve in the polls once he takes office. However, given than 6 in 10 lack confidence that Labour can offer strong and stable leadership, there is work to do for the expected incoming Prime Minister to show that Labour has the answers for the long term.’
