Political Pulse

Three in ten prefer Keir Starmer, and three in ten prefer Nigel Farage.

The public has more confidence in Reform UK to deliver change than any other party. 34% of people believe they have a good long-term economic plan, and 38% think they have a good plan for changing Britain generally, placing them ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives on these measures. However, a majority of Britons are not confident in any party.

Little public support for doctors strikes

Almost two-thirds (64%) say that the country is going in the wrong direction.

In a head-to-head with Nigel Farage, Keir Starmer continues to lead on who the British public think would make a better Prime Minister (32% Starmer vs 26% Farage) – although his lead is down compared to March (Starmer +11) and 35% say neither would make a good PM / it would make no difference. However, just over half (53%) say that it is not clear what Starmer stands for. In contrast, almost two-thirds of Britons (64%) say it is clear what Nigel Farage stands for.

17% hold a favourable opinion of leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch, while her score of 49% unfavourable is her worst in this series as Conservative party leader – Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick follows closely behind, with 16% favourable.

Public favourability ratings for Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Labour all dip this month, cancelling out much of last month’s improvement.

29% of Britons hold a favourable view of the Prime Minister (+8 from February), while 46% are unfavourable (-9).

The top reasons public give for considering Reform are immigration and a desire for change. Those considering Labour do so because the party best represents their values and because the NHS is an important issue to them.