UK politics live: Half of Labour voters ‘let down’ by Starmer, Jenrick vows he won’t return Tories to centre

YouGov poll reveals public’s mood as Labour government nears 100 days in office

Zelensky visits No 10 to ask Starmer for greater support for Ukraine

Sir Keir Starmer‘s popularity has hit a new low after a new poll revealed that nearly 60 per cent of the public disapproves of the government’s performance so far.

As Labour approaches its 100th day in power, the government is facing a rocky start. A YouGov survey found 59 per cent of voters feel unimpressed with the new government with only 18 per cent expressing approval.

Adding to the prime minister’s challenges, another recent poll found a concerning decline in the party’s support.

The Techne UK weekly tracker poll for The Independent has revealed voters aged 55 and over have abandoned Sir Keir’s party, with a dramatic slide to less than 30 per cent.

It comes as the prime minister chaired his inaugural devolved government summit today, but his new envoy, Sue Gray, was absent.

Defending his colleague, cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said Ms Gray has “been through quite a lot” in recent weeks, explaining her career break.

In the Tory leadership race, Robert Jenrick has admitted regret over his decision to order the removal of murals depicting cartoon characters from a children’s asylum centre. Speaking on LBC, he reflected on his time as immigration minister and claimed “lessons have been learned”.

Key Points

• More than half of voters disapprove of Labour’s first 100 days
• Jenrick regrets removing murals from children’s asylum centre
• One Nation Tory leader backs Kemi Badenoch
• Badenoch’s Tory leadership campaign donor linked to Grenfell Tower
• Starmer hails need to collaborate at Council of Nations and Regions

[11 October 2024 07:29 · Salma Ouaguira]

Good morning

Welcome back to the politics blog.

It’s a clam Friday in Westminster, with limited action as the political week winds down.

Here’s a quick round of what’s happening:

• Sir Keir Starmer is on the move today. The prime minister is in Scotland for a meeting of the Council of Nations, where leaders of the UK’s devolved administration will discuss spending plans and economic growth.

• Sue Gray, Sir Keir’s former chief of staff and now in a liaison role for the nations and regions, won’t be attending.

• Meanwhile, Pat McFadden, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, prepares to give the morning media rounds.

• In the background, we are still following the Tory leadership race between Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch.

• But there’s already speculation that the winner may not last long in the role. Baroness Ruth Davidson, a Conservative peer, told Sky News that there’s a “good chance” of another contest within two years due to the candidates’ propensity for making “mistakes”.

Stay tuned for all the updates and analysis throughout the day.