Keir Starmer’s Approval Snag: 6‑Point Gain, but Still Low‑Balance
Opinium’s latest poll has nudged the former opposition leader up about 6 points in net approval, but the ladder looks like a rickety platform at -35%. That’s basically back to the “average” vibes he had when he actually led the country—a stretch, but hey, he’s back to where he started!
Side‑By‑Side Status for Political Peers
- Rachel Reeves is stuck in a -39% no‑change zone; she’s neither better nor worse.
- Nigel Farage is slowly climbing yoga class style—now at -7%, a 5‑point bump.
- Kemi Badenoch’s trend is a belly‑flop: down to -23% after a 4‑point slide.
Voter Preferences for the Next Great Prime Minister
Only a quarter of the public (25%) feels Starmer could lead the charge, while 12% think Kemi Badenoch might be the hero. That leaves a whopping 49% (N/C) who’re feeling “none of the above”—like a campfire with no snacks.
Water Companies: Trust Issues & Pros and Cons of Renationalisation
Enter the wobbly world of water regulation. The upcoming scrapping of Ofwat stirs doubts: private water companies are engraved with a -36% trust rating, while energy and rail stand at -29% and -8% respectively.
The Public’s Thinking on Water Ownership
- 55% are for nationalising water; 13% are against.
- 56% trust a publicly owned water industry to do a better job. Only 10% prefer a private venture.
- 51% believe nationalisation would slash water bills; just 9% see a private company helping customers.
How Should It Be Funded?
Funding options split like a sundae:
- 30% say cut other services.
- 11% think extra taxes are the answer.
- 13% prefer borrowing.
THE BIG TOPICS: ECHR, Voting Age 16, & Party Purges
European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR)
Nearly 48% back staying signed; 30% want to ditch it. The small-boat impact? 28% think it would dip, whereas 42% say “who cares?” Also, 62% think the ECHR needs a makeover.
Voting Age Down to 16?
Opinion split: 52% oppose the change; 25% support. The rest are probably thinking, “I’m a mature teenager!”
Party Whip Cutting: Good or Bad?
11% believe it’s always right to lift the whip, while 25% think it’s rarely or never appropriate after a party member goes rogue.
Opinium’s Take: “Renationalising Water Is the Way Forward”
James Crouch of Opinium points out that even after Environment Secretary Steve Reed stopped the idea due to “budget drama,” folks still want public ownership of water. The sentiment is clear: measure better service and lower bills, but Labour’s budget limits are hampering real change.
