Britain’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, faces mounting criticism after two years in office marked by falling approval ratings, local election losses and a string of policy setbacks. Polls show his net approval slipping from +7 shortly after the 2024 general election to –48 on the YouGov scale, the lowest recorded for a recent prime minister. The Labour leader’s standing has been further eroded by a projected loss of roughly 1,800 council seats in the latest round of local elections, which many observers treat as a de‑facto referendum on his leadership.
Starmer’s government entered power in 2024 with a 174‑seat majority and a pledge to reverse four‑decades of Conservative‑led austerity. Within weeks, the administration announced a £22 billion deficit in public finances and introduced a series of tax increases – including a 2 % rise in income and dividend taxes, higher national‑insurance contributions for employers and higher property taxes. The Taxpayers’ Alliance recorded a new or increased tax every ten days between July 2024 and November 2025, the fastest rate of fiscal tightening among OECD countries.
The fiscal agenda coincided with cuts to welfare benefits, notably a reduction in the winter‑fuel allowance for pensioners, which prompted public protests and forced partial roll‑backs. Critics argue that the measures have deepened living‑standard pressures that began under the previous Conservative government, particularly following the 2022 termination of Russian fossil‑fuel supplies.
Immigration policy has also drawn scrutiny. In late 2024, a wave of anti‑immigration riots led to arrests for online hate speech and the early release of certain prisoners to address public disorder. Starmer’s support for the Online Safety Bill, intended to curb illegal content, attracted criticism from free‑speech advocates, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who warned of broader implications for technology firms.
Foreign‑policy stances have further strained party unity. After initially rejecting a cease‑fire in Gaza, Starmer later endorsed a two‑state solution but was accused of labeling the Palestine Action group as a terrorist organization, sparking disaffection among left‑wing and Muslim voters. The Green Party has capitalised on this discontent, positioning itself as a champion of Palestinian rights in recent by‑elections.
The administration’s reputation was also affected by the dismissal of former ambassador Peter Mandelson in 2025 after revelations of his association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson’s removal and the resignation of Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, underscored concerns about vetting processes within the government.
Overall, Starmer’s tenure is characterised by declining public confidence, electoral setbacks and intensified partisan fragmentation. The outcomes of the current local elections are expected to influence Labour’s strategic choices ahead of the next general election and may prompt internal discussions about leadership and policy direction.
