By Aaron Miller-
A new Survation poll for LabourList has revealed a shocking internal crisis for the governing party, finding that more than half of its own members do not want Keir Starmer leadership for the next general election.
The survey, published on the eve of the annual Labour Party conference, showed that 53% of the membership desires a replacement leader by the time the next national vote is held, while only 31% explicitly support Keir Starmer leadership until that point. This dramatic finding underscores the scale of the challenge currently facing the Prime Minister.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer
This deep-seated dissatisfaction goes beyond personality, reflecting profound ideological and strategic concerns among the grassroots. The polling results indicate a broad rejection of the party’s current direction, with a significant 65% of members believing Starmer is taking the party in the wrong direction. Only 26% of respondents felt the Prime Minister had the strategy right. Such figures represent a worrying internal rupture, especially after the party’s significant election victory just over a year ago.
The Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, who has been widely touted as a potential rival, intensified the pressure with direct criticisms just days before the conference. Burnham accused the Number 10 operation of fostering a “climate of fear” among MPs and causing “alienation and demoralisation” within the wider party structure. His comments suggested that a fundamental shift in priorities is urgently required.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Pic : PA
The Mayor also publicly outlined an alternative vision for the country, including higher council taxes on expensive properties in London and the South East and greater public control over essential services like energy, water, and rail. This alternative program stands in stark contrast to the cautious, centrist approach being taken under Keir Starmer leadership.
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Adding to the internal chaos, the Prime Minister’s public approval ratings have hit a historic low across multiple polls.
The Labour Party currently trails the Reform UK party in overall public polling, further compounding anxieties within the parliamentary ranks. Despite these grim metrics, Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that he can “pull things around,” urging his colleagues to avoid “introspection” and focus instead on what he frames as an essential fight against the populist right.
The pressure on the Prime Minister to deliver a unifying and galvanising speech at the Labour conference in Liverpool has now reached an almost unprecedented level. Concerns exist that without a dramatic change in policy or tone, the internal division will worsen, risking the party’s stability. For an exploration of the policy tensions within the government, consult our recent analysis of the cabinet’s priorities.
The video Explained: Could Andy Burnham overthrow Sir Keir Starmer? discusses the rise of a potential rival to the Prime Minister, a key consequence of the widespread dissatisfaction revealed in the poll.
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