Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are reportedly entering the new year as the least popular occupants of their respective positions in British history, facing significant public dislike, even "loathing," according to opinion pollsters. Sir Keir Starmer's net favourability has plummeted to minus 45 since he took office, making him the most unpopular prime minister in British history with an approval rating of -66 as of November, the lowest ever recorded. Rachel Reeves is also struggling with a -60 approval rating, making her the least popular Chancellor, second only to Kwasi Kwarteng.
Pollsters have expressed surprise at the intense level of animosity directed towards the pair, with one suggesting a "loathing" for both of them. In focus groups, voters have described Starmer as a "liar" who says what he needs to get elected, while Reeves is often perceived as "uncaring" and targeting vulnerable groups. This deep unpopularity is attributed to several factors, including significant policy reversals. Sir Keir notably U-turned on police funding, while Ms. Reeves flip-flopped on the two-child benefit cap, after initially vowing to maintain it.
Their administration has also overseen controversial policies, such as increasing employers' national insurance contributions despite prior pledges not to raise taxes on "working people," and implementing a "Family Farm Tax" which led to protests across the UK. Allies within the Labour party have described Starmer's leadership as "failing," with one prominent union boss, Sharon Graham of Unite, publicly stating this in a national newspaper. The consistent poor polling and contentious policy decisions have contributed to a widespread sense of disappointment that has escalated into "real anger" among voters.