Approval of government falls sharply to lowest level yet

The government’s approval rating fell to record lows this week.

Half (49 per cent) of the UK public now disapprove of the government while only 30 per cent approve.

Similarly, just over half (52 per cent) of the public think the government has “underreacted” to the situation whilst only 30 per cent think the government has “reacted proportionately to the situation”.

Starmer’s approval ratings also fall

There is some relief for the government, as Boris Johnson narrowly regains his position as the public’s preferred Prime Minister after Kier Starmer stole the title for the first time last week.

A third think the Labour leader would do a better job leading the country, compared to 34 per cent who think the same about Johnson.

It follows a fall in Starmer’s approval ratings, from 46 per cent to 43 per cent.

This is despite significant gains over the course of Covid-19.

The Conservatives subsequently retain their 4 point lead. Labour is 2 points down and the Liberal Democrats are 2 points up this week.

Brexit could harm economic recovery, public thinks

Brexit also continues to be a sticking point as the scale of the economic crisis is revealed.

Forty-six per cent expect Brexit to have a negative impact on the economic recovery from the pandemic vs. 18 per cent who are expecting a positive impact.

Adam Drummond, head of political polling at Opinium, comments: “While the government may be keen to re-open, the public are looking ahead and with trepidation and aren’t expecting this release to be anything but temporary.

“An overwhelming majority expect a second wave of coronavirus to hit the UK and a smaller majority expect a further lockdown will be needed before a vaccine eventually releases us from this virus.

“Approval of the government’s handling of the situation remains poor and, while voters are aware of the worsening economic implications of lockdown, concerns about public health are consistently cited by more people in our issues tracker suggesting that getting the health situation under control remains the public’s priority.”

Jack Peat

Jack is a business and economics journalist and the founder of The London Economic (TLE). He has contributed articles to VICE, Huffington Post and Independent and is a published author. Jack read History at the University of Wales, Bangor and has a Masters in Journalism from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.