Keir Starmer is facing his lowest approval ratings in three years after a controversial move to slash winter fuel payments has left many Brits out in the cold.
A staggering 46% of the public now have an unfavourable view of the Prime Minister, the highest level of discontent during his time in charge of the Labour Party.
The cut to winter fuel payments, which helps millions of pensioners and low-income families keep their homes warm during the cold months, has sparked outrage across the country. With energy bills still sky-high, many are feeling the pinch, and Starmer’s decision hasn’t gone down well with voters.
In a move that could make even the coldest toes curl, they’ve decided to slash winter fuel payments for around 10 million pensioners. Once a universal benefit, now reserved only for those on pension credit. As a result, there’s a storm brewing that could see hundreds of thousands cast into the icy clutches of fuel poverty this winter.
Polling from Ipsos shows Starmer’s popularity has taken a dramatic nosedive, plunging by six points since August, leaving just 32% of the public feeling warm towards him. Meanwhile, a chilly 46% now view him unfavourably. This is the highest level of discontent since Labour’s disastrous Hartlepool by-election back in 2021 – when Labour, once the king of the north, was dethroned by the Tories in one of its supposed heartlands.
It’s no wonder the knives are out, with advocacy groups up in arms, fearing the very people who built this country will be left shivering through winter as energy prices soar.
Pensioner Betty Simmons, 79, from Leeds, said: “We’re already struggling to pay the bills, and now they’re cutting the help we desperately need. Starmer’s lost the plot if he thinks this is what the country needs.”
Dave Varney, 78, from Oxford told the Conservative Post: “What on earth did people vote for? This socialist government are going to war against us pensioners. Is it because we are the ones who vote Conservative? The whole country is appalled. Even my son who actually voted Labour is appalled and said he won’t vote for them again.”
Starmer’s unpopularity comes as Labour says it tries to balance its economic policies amid ongoing financial challenges. However, this latest move has been branded a “disaster” by critics, with some even warning it could cost Labour the next election.
Christopher Johns, 67, from Worcester said: “Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves keep trying to blame the Conservatives but who was it who wanted the longest and harshest lockdowns? It was Labour. Who voted to keep the boats coming? Labour. Who was it who has just given all that money to the train drivers? How long are they going to keep blaming the Tories for all the mistakes they keep making?”
A Labour insider admitted: “The winter fuel cuts are a tough call, but these cuts were necessary to manage public spending. However, it’s clear we’ve got a big job to do to win back trust.”
Despite the backlash, Starmer remains defiant, defending the cuts as a necessary step to stabilise the economy. But with the public mood turning frosty, it’s clear he’s got a battle on his hands to reverse his sinking popularity.
Have your say: Is Starmer right to cut winter fuel payments, or should he be doing more to help struggling families? Let us know in the comments! Editor@ConservativePost.co.uk
