Figures released in a recent poll by YouGov indicate that almost three in five people disapprove of the new Government as it nears its 100th day in office. Despite this, a large portion of the public is still willing to give Labour the benefit of the doubt. The poll found that 59% of people disapproved of the Government’s performance so far, while only 18% approved. These numbers show a significant decline from Labour’s initial standing after the election, highlighting a bumpy start for Sir Keir Starmer’s tenure.
However, despite the early disapproval, a considerable portion of the public remains optimistic about the new Government. Around 37% of respondents expressed reservations about the Government but were willing to give it a chance, while 17% were confident that the Government would perform well. Most of the public is open to giving Sir Keir and his team the benefit of the doubt at this early stage.
The survey also revealed that certain government policies have garnered strong support from the public. Actions such as negotiating new pay agreements with striking junior doctors, lifting the ban on onshore wind farms, and maintaining the two-child benefit cap received positive feedback. However, policies like releasing prisoners early and means testing the winter fuel allowance faced significant disapproval from the public.
The data, based on surveys conducted by YouGov with around 2,100 British adults in early October, showcases the mixed sentiments towards the new Government. While challenges exist, there remains a level of cautious optimism among the public as the new administration navigates its early days in power.