Culture news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Andy Burnham poll tracker: Prime minister and Labour’s approval ratings in four charts
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has enjoyed a rapid surge in popularity within weeks of taking office, dubbed the "Burnham bounce" by pollsters, as Labour's fortunes recover from the low point reached under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer. Political analysts, including Sir John Curtice, attribute the shift both to Burnham's own policies and communication style and to the removal of the unpopular Starmer, though they caution it is too early to say how durable the improvement will prove.
Burnham's personal favourability has risen to 19 per cent, a stark contrast to Starmer's -41 per cent, and Labour has climbed to 22 per cent in the polls, now roughly level with Reform UK and the Conservatives at 22 and 21 per cent respectively. Burnham polls best in London (+2 per cent) and least badly in the North (-6 per cent), still far ahead of rivals such as Nigel Farage (-39 per cent in the North). The Green Party's support has meanwhile slipped from a high of 21 per cent in March to 13 per cent, suggesting some left-leaning voters have returned to Labour. Analysts note that sustaining this bounce will depend heavily on Burnham delivering on his devolution pledges and funding commitments, particularly at the upcoming Autumn Budget.
In short
- Andy Burnham's popularity has surged since becoming prime minister
- Labour now level with Reform UK and Tories in polls
- Analysts say lasting success hinges on delivering policy pledges
Explained simply
Andy Burnham became Prime Minister recently, replacing Sir Keir Starmer, whose Labour government experienced a sharp decline in public approval. The change in leadership follows a prolonged period of low support for the party and its leader.
Opinion polls now show voters are more favourable towards Burnham than they were towards Starmer, and Labour's overall standing has improved significantly in recent weeks. Political analysts refer to this shift as a "bounce" and attribute it partly to the change of leadership and partly to Burnham's early approach.
Whether this improvement will last is unclear, as much depends on Burnham delivering on his policy pledges. Key tests will come with major funding announcements and decisions on devolution, where voters will judge whether the promises translate into real change.
Art Culture Elections Government Politics