Keir Starmer’s reputation for untrustworthiness has reportedly hit new heights, with a recent YouGov poll indicating that 47% of respondents view him as untrustworthy, the highest level since he became Labour leader in April 2020.
Conversely, only 25% of people consider him trustworthy. This perception of untrustworthiness has remained above 40% since May 2023.
Additionally, the polling suggests that Starmer is perceived as indecisive, with 52% of respondents viewing him as such, compared to only 22% who see him as decisive.
Keir Starmer (Credits: Evening Standard)
Starmer has also faced criticism for his handling of Labour’s response to the Gaza crisis. The poll indicates that just 14% of Britons believe he has managed the situation well, while 52% think he has handled it poorly.
This sentiment cuts across all sides of the conflict, with 67% of those sympathizing primarily with the Palestinians, 69% of those siding with the Israelis, and 53% of those who sympathize with both sides equally, expressing dissatisfaction with Starmer’s response.
These perceptions of Starmer’s trustworthiness and decisiveness are expected to be key attack points against Labour in the upcoming General Election. Both the SNP and the Conservatives have criticized him for what they perceive as frequent U-turns.
Starmer has also faced criticism for his handling of internal party matters, such as initially refusing to suspend Labour’s candidate in the Rochdale by-election, who was accused of anti-Semitism. This decision was seen as contradictory to Starmer’s previous stance on rooting out anti-Jewish prejudice from the party.
In response to the poll results, SNP’s Mhairi Black commented on Starmer’s perceived U-turns on various pledges and promises, highlighting a lack of trust in his leadership.
Greens MSP Gillian Mackay also criticized Starmer, stating that Scotland deserves better than a choice between a discredited Tory government and a distrusted Labour opposition, and highlighting the Scottish Greens’ commitment to offering a positive, progressive vision for the future.
