What impact has the Starmer Labour Government had on life in the UK in just over six months of power?
The first months of Keir Starmer's Labour government have been less than hoped for. An Ipsos survey in December exposed a net satisfaction score of -34 for Starmer, with 61% of Britons dissatisfied. This negative response extended to the government, with a net rating of -49. But is he doing worse than earlier Prime Ministers?
Compared to his predecessors his net satisfaction score aligns with leaders who later faced significant political difficulties, heralding a slippery slope in the popularity polls looking forward.
Britons cannot see economic prosperity on the grey horizon. By December 2024, 65% of voters expected the economy to tank over the next year. Concerns about the government competency have also been clearly visible in polling.
So, what’s the problem?
Fundamental concerns about the government's ability to tackle key policy challenges such as concerning the cost of living, immigration, and economic management are impossible to shake off.
The Labour Party scored big over the Conservatives in the last election. People had endured over a decade of penny-pinching austerity and war-mongering. So, the mandate was there; they had a full hand, so to speak, but blew it.
Manifesto promises
The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto outlined five core national missions, with specific "first steps" intended as immediate actions. In public procurement, the government pledged to address contract fraud and implement reforms – an echo of Elon’s DOGE initiatives. Initial actions included commitments to set up a Social Value Council and extend the Freedom of Information Act, despite growing concerns around freedom of speech across the nation.
On environmental policy, the Labour Party appears to be clinging to the 2030 net-zero mantra popular in Davos with its commitment to ‘clean power’ solutions that have yet to be fully explained.
Social Welfare
The Labour government's social welfare slashing has generated significant public and political dismay, particularly concerning changes to winter fuel payments and disability benefits. The decision to end winter fuel payments for millions has drawn widespread criticism. It is not what you expect from a Labour Government. Red Ken and Tony Benn would be spinning in their graves at the thought.
Social support for the disabled is also being cut, despite claims that the government wants to get the disabled into employment.
Cost-of-living crisis
A central promise of the Labour government was to freeze the energy price cap. However, reports show that energy bills have risen, and the government's decision to cut the winter fuel allowance has exacerbated financial pressures.
The Prime Minister has said that the highest performing economic growth in the G7 is a top priority. But worries about austerity have arisen due to welfare cuts and ever tighter budgets.
Public services
The NHS is still waiting for some love and a concerted effort to reduce waiting lists. The government also announced its intention to abolish NHS England, aiming to cut red tape and improve efficiency. We’ll see how that goes…
Teacher shortages persist, despite promises to address this topic, and the government's strategy faces scepticism about its ability to tackle the deep-rooted causes.
Where to from here?
The poor performance of Keir Starmer's Labour government thus far suggests a difficult road ahead. Despite securing a significant parliamentary majority, the Labour government faces public dissatisfaction, mixed progress on manifesto promises, and internal party dynamics that point to potential leadership challenges. Coupled with Starmer’s war-mongering belligerency and action man behaviour, one wonders if the Labour Party believe a war might solve their popularity issues. It wouldn’t be the first time a government looked for a major conflict to distract people from their poor performance.
