Andy Burnham’s popularity has slumped as he makes a final push to win tomorrow’s Makerfield by-election, polling reveals, reports BritPanorama.
The Labour leader hopeful has seen a marked decline in his ratings over the past two months, coinciding with his efforts to secure a return to Westminster and challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership. A recent YouGov survey indicates that Burnham currently holds a net favourability rating of -11, with 30 per cent of respondents expressing a positive view while 41 per cent are negative.
This decline is notable given his previous peak rating of +9 at the end of April. His waning popularity appears linked to changes in the party, particularly following the resignation of MP Josh Simons, which aimed to clear a path for Burnham in Makerfield, alongside Wes Streeting stepping down as Health Secretary. A separate Ipsos poll places Burnham’s approval at -7, reflecting a 15 per cent drop from the previous month.
Burnham’s ratings have deteriorated across various demographics, including individuals over the age of 55 and those perceiving Labour’s performance unfavorably. Gideon Skinner from Ipsos commented on Burnham’s need to better engage undecided voters to present a viable alternative to the current leadership.
In response to the internal challenges, Sir Keir Starmer has defended his leadership, asserting that his critics have been “wrong every time” and warning that any challenge would lead to chaos within the party. He emphasized the mandate received from the 2024 election, highlighting investments in public services and economic growth as evidence of his government’s success. Starmer stated, “We got a landslide victory in 2024 for a five-year mandate for this Labour Government. I said at the time we will both invest in our public services and we will grow our economy.”
As political dynamics continue to shift within Labour ahead of the Makerfield by-election, the outcome will be pivotal for both Burnham’s and Starmer’s ambitions, shaping the party’s trajectory in the lead-up to future elections.
In a climate marked by uncertainty and competition, the efficacy of leadership in addressing public concerns remains paramount. Both figures will need to reinforce their strategies to resonate with an electorate navigating fluctuating political sentiments.
