Sir Keir Starmer's personal approval rating has increased by 26 points when voters are reminded of his disagreement with US President Donald Trump over the Iran war, according to a JL Partners survey for The Independent.
The prime minister's overall rating remains negative at minus 14, but this is a significant improvement from the minus 40 he scores when his stance on the conflict is not highlighted. The findings suggest his cautious approach may help him avoid a leadership challenge if Labour performs poorly in May's local elections.
Sir Keir refused to allow the US to use British bases in its initial bombing of Iran, a decision criticised by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform's Nigel Farage, who have since backtracked. The prime minister has argued that by making 'the wrong call' on war, they have shown they are unfit to run the country.
Mr Trump has insulted Sir Keir, calling him 'no Churchill', while the prime minister said he would not 'hang on the president's latest words'. A defiant Sir Keir stated he would not be intimidated, noting that his refusal to waver had 'served [him] well in recent weeks', referencing polls showing public support for his stance.
The survey found that 57 per cent of respondents had a negative view of Sir Keir when not reminded of the rift, falling to 42 per cent when informed of his differences with Mr Trump. Positive views rose from 17 per cent to 28 per cent. Meanwhile, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 61 per cent of Americans disapprove of the attacks on Iran, and Mr Trump's approval rating has fallen to minus 26 per cent.
Tom Lubbock, co-founder of JL Partners, said: 'If you're just looking at the cold electoral politics, there is a major reputational premium to be gained for the prime minister positioning himself in opposition to the US president on the Iran conflict.'
