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More signs of Burnham poll bounce for Labour as new PM starts with highest personal ratings since Theresa May
New polling shows a boost for Labour following Andy Burnham's ascension to Prime Minister, with his personal approval ratings the highest recorded for any incumbent PM since Theresa May. The findings suggest a potential "honeymoon" effect that could reshape Labour's electoral prospects after a difficult period, though opposition figures are already pushing back hard on his policy agenda, particularly around taxation.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has challenged Burnham to rule out further tax rises to fund what she called his "spending spree", likening the new premier to Liz Truss and branding him a "people pleaser". The comparison comes as reports circulate of a possible 10% levy affecting estates as part of inheritance tax changes, prompting wealth advisers to issue guidance on steps savers could take to protect their assets ahead of any reform.
In short
- Burnham's PM ratings are the best since Theresa May's tenure.
- Badenoch compares Burnham to Liz Truss over tax and spending plans.
- Reports of a 10% inheritance tax raid prompt wealth-protection advice.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those supporting Burnham's position would argue that inheritance taxation is a fair mechanism for funding essential public services and that concentrating wealth across generations contradicts meritocratic principles. With public services under strain and the recent election providing a mandate for change, using existing tools like inheritance tax to raise revenue is a legitimate policy choice that promotes equality of opportunity whilst maintaining economic incentives to work and invest in one's own lifetime.
The case against
Critics contend that raising taxes, particularly on wealth and inheritance, risks discouraging productive investment and entrepreneurship whilst burdening savers and families who have already paid income tax. They argue the Government should instead prioritise economic growth, efficiency savings, and restraint in spending as the path to sustainable public services, warning that high-tax policies could drive capital and talent abroad and undermine the prosperity needed to genuinely improve public finances.
Explained simply
Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister, leads the Labour Party following a period when the party struggled in the eyes of voters. Recent opinion polls show that the public rates him particularly highly, with approval ratings that rank among the strongest recorded for any serving prime minister in recent years.
When prime ministers first take office, voters often view them with goodwill before policies become contentious – an effect known as a honeymoon period. Such strong early approval ratings could be important for Labour's political prospects, especially after the party faced serious difficulties before Burnham's appointment.
However, public approval of a leader does not guarantee support for their policies. The Conservative Party, led by opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, is already challenging the government on its approach to taxation and spending, indicating that political divisions between the parties remain sharp.
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