Public to Decide: Evaluating Labour’s Rocky First 100 Days Under PM Starmer Amid Falling Polls and Controversial Policies

Downing Street states it's up to the public to decide if the Prime Minister's initial 100 days have been effective. With the Labour party nearing its 100-day milestone this Saturday, a YouGov survey reveals that 59% of respondents are dissatisfied with its performance to date, and only 18% are in favor.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Friday, October 11, 2024, at 4

Downing Street has stated that it is up to the public to decide if the Labour government's initial 100 days in office have been successful, in light of declining poll numbers for Sir Keir Starmer.

The spokesperson for the prime minister refrained from commenting on whether his initial three months in the position have been prosperous, with the three-month mark approaching tomorrow.

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Traditionally, governments aim to establish a proactive and energetic approach during their initial 100 days, focusing on swift and noticeable measures that can shape a story about their activities and direction.

Sir Keir has faced challenges in maintaining his popularity due to controversies surrounding donations and perks, along with internal opposition to policies such as reducing the winter fuel allowance, which have negatively impacted his approval ratings.

In response to inquiries regarding the success of the initial 100 days, a spokesperson from Number 10 stated, "The judgment is up to the citizens. The government's priority remains on implementation and the measures it is undertaking."

Plans for a cocktail party to mark the occasion were also dismissed.

Various surveys indicate that since their overwhelming victory in the general election in July, public support for Labour has significantly declined.

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A recent YouGov poll revealed that 59% of respondents are dissatisfied with its performance to date, while only 18% expressed approval.

Two specific measures sparked outrage: the elimination of the winter fuel allowance for all and the early release of inmates to mitigate prison overcrowding.

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Officials attributed the actions to issues inherited from the Conservative party, pointing to a £22 billion deficit in public funding and a prison system nearing failure.

According to a YouGov survey, other policies also received widespread backing, including negotiating pay agreements with junior doctors, allowing the development of onshore wind farms, maintaining the benefit limit for families with two children, and halting certain weapons sales to Israel.

Overall, 40% of respondents believe that the country's condition has deteriorated since the election, and almost half of the Labour voters reported that although they initially had high hopes, they have been disappointed by the outcomes thus far.

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In a recent Ipsos survey, a troubling 52% of British respondents expressed a negative view of Sir Keir Starmer, marking the highest level of disapproval he has faced since assuming leadership of the Labour Party.

According to a recent More In Common poll released this week, the Labour Party holds a narrow one-point lead over the Conservatives, a significant drop of 11% since the summer.

When questioned about the accomplishments of the new administration, the prime minister's spokesperson highlighted changes to employee rights and initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth.

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Later, when addressing the media, Sir Keir highlighted the inaugural session of the Council of Nations and Regions, which included leaders from the UK's devolved administrations, and mentioned commitments to invest as much as £24 billion in environmental initiatives.

He declined to comment on the halted £1 billion investment in a London port after remarks from ministers concerning P&O Ferries. He mentioned that despite the delay, the upcoming Monday summit—originally scheduled for the investment announcement—will continue to draw international investors, which he believes will benefit the nation greatly.

Sir Keir skillfully avoided addressing inquiries regarding Sue Gray's absence at today's devolved leaders' meeting, despite her recent appointment as a representative for the "nations and regions" after stepping down as his chief of staff.

The administration is eyeing the upcoming budget announcement on October 30 as a chance to shift the conversation towards a more optimistic outlook regarding its policies, amidst rumors that Capital Gains Tax may be raised to support deteriorating public infrastructure.

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