A new Ipsos poll shows widespread national pessimism as Andy Burnham takes office as Prime Minister, with 83 per cent of Britons saying the country is heading in the wrong direction and needs major change, up sharply from 55 per cent in 1989. The findings highlight the scale of the challenge facing Burnham, who has struck an optimistic tone since entering Downing Street, despite a public mood marked by falling trust in politicians, declining confidence in the NHS and growing dissatisfaction with living standards.

The Ipsos state-of-the-nation report found only 52 per cent of people are satisfied with their living standards, down from 72 per cent in 1988, while just a quarter rate British healthcare as "good quality", a steep fall from 70 per cent in 1986. Trust in politicians and belief in social mobility have also declined significantly since the late 1980s. In response, Burnham has pledged to run a "cost of living government" and announced an £850 million cut to household electricity bills, taking effect from 1 October, as his first major policy move; Ipsos's Gideon Skinner said tangible improvements, not just optimistic messaging, will be needed to rebuild public trust.