In a stunning reversal of political fortune, Sir Keir Starmer's premiership has been rocked by what analysts are calling one of the most rapid polling collapses in modern democratic history. Fresh data reveals the Prime Minister now languishes with the worst approval numbers among all major Western leaders.
The Numbers Don't Lie: A Graphical Nightmare
According to comprehensive analysis of Ipsos data tracking leaders across G7 nations, Starmer's net approval rating has plummeted to alarming depths. Where once there was optimism, now there remains only double-digit negative territory that places him firmly behind counterparts including France's Gabriel Attal and even US President Donald Trump.
The figures paint a brutal picture: a net satisfaction rating of -27 puts Starmer at the very bottom of the international leadership table. This represents a catastrophic fall from the cautious hope that greeted his election victory mere months ago.
From Election Triumph to Political Freefall
Political scientists are struggling to find historical parallels for such a rapid decline. Typically, new leaders enjoy a 'honeymoon period' of positive public sentiment. Starmer's premiership appears to have skipped this phase entirely, moving directly into what one Westminster insider called 'the marital arguments'.
The collapse is particularly striking when compared to his immediate predecessor. While Rishi Sunak left office with deeply negative ratings, Starmer has managed to eclipse even those dismal numbers in record time.
What's Driving the Downward Spiral?
Several factors appear to be contributing to the Prime Minister's polling crisis:
- U-turns on key pledges: Retreats on major commitments have damaged credibility
- Economic pressures: Ongoing cost-of-living concerns despite change of government
- Style over substance: Growing public perception of cautious, technocratic governance lacking vision
- International comparisons: Voters comparing UK's progress unfavourably with other nations
A Warning From History
The numbers should terrify Labour strategists. Historical data shows that leaders who find themselves this deep in negative territory rarely recover. The public, it seems, makes up its mind quickly - and changing it proves extraordinarily difficult.
With the next election years away, Starmer has time to turn things around. But these figures suggest he'll need to do more than simply avoid mistakes. He'll need to fundamentally change how voters perceive his leadership and delivery.
One thing is clear: the comfortable assumptions of a long Labour government are already being tested. The British public, it seems, is in no mood to give any leader the benefit of the doubt.
