Political poll: 24th June 2026
See the full data tables here.
Keir Starmer’s resignation has reshaped the political landscape, with most voters saying he made the right decision to step down as Labour leader. However, the public remains unconvinced that a new Labour Prime Minister would significantly change how the country is run, and many believe a new leader should seek a fresh mandate from the country.
The findings also show continuing weakness in perceptions of both Labour and the Conservatives, with neither party seen positively across core party attributes. While Labour retains advantages over the Conservatives on housing and public services, voters remain sceptical about the party’s unity and its ability to deliver meaningful change.
Starmer resignation reshapes the political landscape
Keir Starmer’s approval rating remains deeply negative at net -41, while Rachel Reeves also stands at -41. Kemi Badenoch’s ratings have fallen to -8, while Ed Davey remains on -5. Nigel Farage stands at -23, and Zack Polanski is on -19.
On the Best Prime Minister question, Badenoch and Starmer are effectively tied, with Badenoch on 22% and Starmer on 21%. Farage also narrowly leads Starmer in a direct comparison, by 27% to 26%.
Starmer’s resignation is widely seen as the right decision. Nearly two thirds of the public (64%) say he was right to announce he would step down as Labour leader, while only 17% say it was the wrong decision. Among current Labour voters, 52% say it was the right decision, while 31% say it was wrong.
Public wants a proper Labour leadership process
The public is more likely to favour a full Labour leadership contest than a rapid transition.
A plurality (39%) say it is more important that the next Labour leader goes through a thorough process, with different candidates subject to debate. By contrast, 20% say it is more important for Labour to make a quick decision and move on.
Labour voters take a different view. Among current Labour supporters, 37% prioritise a quick decision, while 32% favour a more thorough process.
Voters are split on whether Labour should replace Starmer with Andy Burnham without a contest. Around 30% say this would be the right decision, while 32% say it would be wrong. Labour voters are more supportive, with 57% saying it would be right to avoid a contest.
Voters sceptical a new Prime Minister would change much
While Starmer’s resignation is broadly accepted, the public is far from convinced that a new Prime Minister would transform the country’s direction.
Only 28% think a new Prime Minister would make a great deal or fair amount of difference to how the country is run. More than half (55%) think it would make not very much difference or no difference at all.
Asked what would happen if a new Labour Prime Minister took office, 44% think things would stay the same, 21% think things would get worse, and only 17% think things would get better.
There is also a strong expectation that any change may be more stylistic than substantive. Around 36% think a change in Prime Minister would mostly lead to a change in style rather than policy, while 20% think it would lead to different policies and priorities.
Many voters want a general election after a change of Prime Minister
The public is uneasy about a new Prime Minister taking office without a general election.
Just over half (53%) say it would be unacceptable for a new Prime Minister to take office without a general election, while 34% say it would be acceptable.
A majority (57%) say they would prefer a general election soon after a new Labour leader becomes Prime Minister, compared with 29% who think they should continue without one.
However, Labour voters are more comfortable with the party continuing in government. Among current Labour supporters, 60% say there should not be a general election, while 31% say there should be one.
Labour and Conservatives both viewed negatively
Both Labour and the Conservatives continue to perform poorly on party image measures.
Labour is rated negatively across every attribute tested. Its weakest score is on being united, with only 14% agreeing Labour is united and 64% disagreeing, giving the party a net score of -49. Labour also scores poorly on representing what most people think (-36), competence (-34), and being trusted to take big decisions (-34).
The Conservatives are also in negative territory across all attributes. Their weakest scores are on being in touch with ordinary people (-31), representing what most people think (-31), and being ready for government (-26).
Despite this, the Conservatives lead Labour on several comparative party attributes, including being united, knowing what they stand for, and having a clear sense of purpose. Labour performs better on tolerance and is tied with the Conservatives on being in touch with ordinary people.
No clear favourite for Burnham’s Chancellor
If Andy Burnham were to become Prime Minister, there is no clear public favourite to serve as Chancellor.
None of the Labour MPs tested receive a positive net acceptability score. John Healey performs best, at net -2, followed by Yvette Cooper (-6), Wes Streeting (-7), and Pat McFadden (-9).
At the other end of the rankings, Rachel Reeves is the least acceptable option, with a net rating of -30, followed by Angela Rayner (-25), David Lammy (-20) and Ed Miliband (-19).
Boilerplate
Opinium conducted a nationally and politically representative survey of 2,050 UK adults between 24th and 26th June 2026.