Keir Starmer concludes as Prime Minister amid historic low approval ratings
Keir Starmer’s tenure as Prime Minister ends this week, following a significant decline in his popularity since taking office in June 2024. Despite entering Downing Street with aspirations to rejuvenate the Labour Party, he exits with a record net approval rating of -66, the lowest for any UK Prime Minister since 1977, reports BritPanorama.
Starmer, who began his leadership with a net approval of -3, saw this figure plummet within a matter of months. By June 2025, after a series of challenges and unfulfilled promises, his rating had deteriorated to the unprecedented low, highlighting the discontent among the electorate with his government’s performance.
As Starmer prepares to vacate his office, Andy Burnham is set to assume the role of Prime Minister amid mixed public sentiment. Recent polling indicates a divided opinion on Burnham, whose net approval rating currently rests at -4, with a notable 29% of the population still uncertain about their feelings towards him. The initial question remains whether his early days in office will be marked by similar frustrations faced by his predecessor.
In a recent episode of the podcast In The Room, former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara warned Burnham about repeating the mistakes of Starmer’s administration. She criticized Starmer’s approach, suggesting he focused excessively on highlighting the government’s failures without actively working to propose solutions. “They didn’t spend any time winning the win,” MacNamara observed, underscoring a perceived absence of a proactive political strategy within Starmer’s leadership.
MacNamara also stressed the necessity for Burnham to grasp the substantive nature of being Prime Minister. She noted an initial “shyness towards the role” from Starmer, suggesting that confidence in exercising authority is crucial for effective governance. Conversely, character and charm are equally essential tools for Burnham, especially when managing disappointment within his party ranks.
Cleo Watson, the podcast’s co-host and former special advisor, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Burnham must act swiftly given the diminishing duration of the “honeymoon phase” typically afforded to new leaders. “You haven’t, actually, got 100 days. The honeymoon phase is getting shorter and shorter,” she cautioned, indicating the urgency of decisive action.
As both hosts reflected on their observations, the impending challenges for Burnham are becoming increasingly clear. With the political landscape evolving rapidly, early decisions will be pivotal in determining not just his initial success but also the broader trajectory of his administration. The race to restore public confidence will require not only strategic planning but also a compelling personal approach to leadership.
As the Labour Party transitions under Burnham’s leadership, it faces the fundamental task of overcoming past criticisms while addressing the pressing issues of governance and public expectations. How effectively the new Prime Minister navigates these early challenges will set the tone for his administration.
The coming weeks will be critical in revealing whether Burnham can break from the pattern established by his predecessor and offer a fresh vision for the country. A renewed focus on action rather than reflection may be a crucial step forward as Burnham seeks to redefine Labour’s approach ahead of the next election.
