Labour faces crisis as poll numbers tumble and MPs voice concerns over Starmer’s leadership

The Labour Party is grappling with internal unrest as recent polls indicate a significant drop in public support, raising questions about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership and the party’s direction. The Guardian

A recent survey by More in Common for Channel 4 revealed that Labour’s support has fallen to 18%, trailing behind Reform UK’s 26% and the Conservatives’ 25%. It’s a sobering moment for a party that, just months ago, was riding high in the polls and looked set to form the next government. The sharp decline in support has been widely linked to the controversial welfare reforms announced earlier this year, which included cuts to disability benefits and the abolition of winter fuel payments for pensioners. Many long-time Labour supporters, particularly those in the North and the Midlands, feel let down by a party they once saw as their champion.

The situation intensified after Labour’s unexpected loss in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, where Reform UK secured a narrow victory. The result sent shockwaves through the political landscape, marking the first time Reform UK had taken a seat from Labour in a traditional heartland. Analysts point to growing voter dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, particularly among working-class constituents who feel they are being left behind.

For many, the by-election defeat is seen as a warning shot—a sign that Labour’s message is no longer cutting through in communities that have long been its backbone. Combined with the polling slump, it has sparked a flurry of internal debate about the party’s future direction and its ability to reconnect with disillusioned voters.

Within the party, nearly 200 MPs have expressed opposition to the recent welfare cuts, fearing they undermine Labour’s traditional values. Many believe the reforms have strayed too far from the party’s roots, alienating core voters who have long seen Labour as the champion of working people. Detractors argue that the cuts to disability benefits and the removal of winter fuel payments represent a fundamental betrayal of the party’s promise to protect the most vulnerable. Backbenchers have voiced concerns that such policies risk blurring the lines between Labour and the Conservatives, leaving voters unsure of what the party stands for.

Prominent figures like Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are reportedly being considered as potential successors to Starmer, reflecting growing discontent with his leadership. Rayner, the Deputy Leader, has cultivated a strong grassroots following, while Streeting is seen as a pragmatic figure who could appeal to both the left and centre of the party. Both have remained tight-lipped on any leadership ambitions, but their names are circulating among MPs increasingly uneasy with Starmer’s direction.

Starmer’s ambiguous response to questions about his intent to lead the party into the next general election has further fuelled speculation. When pressed by journalists earlier this week, he initially deflected, saying only that his focus was on “delivering for the country,” a vague answer that left many MPs and voters wondering if he had the stomach for the fight ahead. Although he later confirmed his intention to stand, the initial hesitation has left many questioning his commitment and vision, and whether he can unite a fractured party in time for the next general election.

The upcoming spending review and potential cabinet reshuffle are seen as critical junctures for Starmer to reassert control and address internal divisions. The spending review, set to outline the government’s economic priorities for the next fiscal year, is being closely watched both within the party and by the public. Many Labour MPs believe this is Starmer’s opportunity to pivot away from the controversial welfare cuts and signal a return to the party’s core values—investing in public services, protecting the vulnerable, and addressing inequality. However, if the review simply reaffirms the current course, critics warn it could deepen divisions within the party and alienate key voter groups.

The possibility of a cabinet reshuffle is also generating significant speculation. Starmer faces pressure to bring in fresh faces and promote those who have remained loyal to him, while sidelining critics who have become vocal in their dissent. How he handles this delicate balancing act will be a test of his political skill and authority as leader. Failure to manage these challenges could exacerbate the party’s woes, emboldening opposition forces like Reform UK and the Conservatives, who are already capitalising on Labour’s missteps.

As Labour navigates this turbulent period, the party’s ability to reconcile internal disagreements and reconnect with its base will be pivotal in determining its future trajectory. The coming months will likely define whether Labour can regain the trust of the electorate or risks further fragmentation at a crucial moment in British politics.

https://northernscroll.co.uk/category/politics

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