A new opinion poll has delivered a devastating blow to Sir Keir Starmer, revealing that more than half of British voters want to see him ousted as Labour leader. The survey, conducted by BMG Research for The i Paper, indicates profound dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's performance and a growing appetite for change within the party.
Record Unpopularity for a Sitting Prime Minister
The polling data shows Sir Keir Starmer has achieved a record negative net satisfaction score of minus 49. This makes him the most unpopular British leader in recorded history, according to the metrics used. A decisive 51 per cent of respondents stated explicitly that he should step down from his role.
Andy Burnham Emerges as Clear Favourite
When asked who should replace Sir Keir, voters most frequently tipped Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Twenty-four per cent of those surveyed selected Mr Burnham as their preferred candidate. Intriguingly, he is the only potential leadership figure to hold a net positive perception score among the public.
This public backing comes just days after Sir Keir Starmer blocked Mr Burnham from running as a Labour MP in a forthcoming by-election. The Prime Minister cited the cost of a mayoral replacement election, but many observers saw the move as a direct attempt to stave off a future leadership challenge from the popular northern figure.
Widespread Uncertainty and Discontent
The poll reveals a deep-seated malaise regarding Labour's direction. While Mr Burnham led the field, a greater number of voters said they were undecided on a successor. Furthermore, more than a quarter of respondents stated they would not want any of the listed candidates to take over, highlighting a significant crisis of confidence in the party's top tier.
Other figures trailed far behind. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Leader Angela Rayner garnered the backing of just 4 per cent of voters combined. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also featured but failed to capture significant support.
An Outlier in a Struggling Party
Jack Curry, a pollster at BMG Research, analysed the findings. He described Andy Burnham as 'an outlier in a party struggling with its image'. Mr Curry elaborated on the public sentiment, stating: 'While this does not amount to a clamour for Burnham, it indicates a public increasingly unsure that Starmer can turn things around, and increasingly willing to look outside Westminster for someone who might.'
The poll underscores the severe challenges facing Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. With historically low personal ratings and a favoured rival waiting in the wings, the pressure on the Labour leader is intensifying. The public's clear desire for his removal presents a fundamental problem for a Prime Minister attempting to stabilise his government and define his legacy.
