A new Ipsos poll reveals that the British public is more likely to believe Andy Burnham would make a good Prime Minister compared to Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage. The survey, conducted amid the ongoing Labour leadership transition, shows Burnham leading with 35% saying he would do a good job, while 24% think he would do badly. He is the only politician in the poll with a net positive confidence rating.
Burnham outperforms rivals in public confidence
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch received 29% support for being a good PM, with 37% saying she would perform poorly. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage fared worst among top politicians, with 53% believing he would do a bad job and only 27% expressing confidence. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski also scored lower than Burnham.
The poll comes as Burnham's path to Downing Street becomes clearer. On Monday, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones announced he would not challenge Burnham for the Labour leadership, citing a reassuring conversation about economic plans. Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has not yet ruled out a bid, but few expect him to beat the favorite.
Public desire for a leadership contest
Despite Burnham's frontrunner status, the Ipsos poll indicates that 39% of respondents want a contest for the Labour leadership, compared to just 13% who prefer a coronation. This suggests potential unease with an unchallenged succession. Additionally, more than six in ten Britons lack confidence that Labour can provide strong and stable leadership, though this may reflect the recent upheaval following the leader's resignation on Monday.
Keiran Pedley, Ipsos Director of Politics, commented: 'Given that Andy Burnham is seen as more likely to do a good job as Prime Minister than Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch it is reasonable to suggest that a Burnham led Labour Party could improve in the polls once he takes office. However, given than 6 in 10 lack confidence that Labour can offer strong and stable leadership, there is work to do for the expected incoming Prime Minister to show that Labour has the answers for the long term.'
Implications for Labour's future
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is widely seen as the heir apparent after Sir Keir Starmer was forced from office. His economic plans and leadership style are now under scrutiny as he prepares to potentially take the helm. The Ipsos data suggests that while he enjoys a confidence advantage over his rivals, he must address broader skepticism about Labour's ability to govern effectively.
