Labour Reigns Supreme: Poll Shows No Spring Budget Lift for Tories
Opinium’s latest snapshot of the public mood remains stubbornly in Labour’s favour, handing the Conservatives a clear 16‑point deficit.
Vote Share Snapshot
- Labour – 41% (down 1%
- Conservatives – 25% (down 2%)
- Liberal Democrats – 10% (no change)
- Reform UK – 11% (up 1%)
- Greens – 7% (no change)
- SNP – 3% (no change)
Chancellor’s Approval Score
Chancellor’s approval has dipped just a notch to -22% – 22% feel cosy with his moves while 45% are not-so-satisfied.
Prime Minister Pick‑up
Starmer pulls ahead with a 10‑point edge over Sunak. 31% favour the Labour leader, compared with 21% backing Rishi – though both have slipped two points over the last fortnight.
Bottom Line
Despite a chilly spring budget, the public’s fingers still firmly point at Labour. The Conservatives will have to rethink their 2028 strategy if they want to catch up.
Ending national insurance ‘will not happen any time soon’
Hunt’s Spring Budget was ‘largely a case of too little, too late for most businesses’
Hunt’s Spring Budget is a ‘flop’ that could drive ‘hard working people and investors out of UK’
Chancellor’s Budget Leaves SMEs Feeling Short of Rabbits
Survey reveals a growing chorus of “None of the above”
According to the latest poll, nearly two in five respondents—38% of the sample—said they found the budget’s proposals “none of these.” That uptick comes on the heels of a 34% figure from the previous round, signalling a clear shift in sentiment among small‑business owners.
What the phrase “No rabbits under the Chancellor’s hat” really means
- Rabbits under hats is a quirky way of saying “the clever trickery supposedly enjoyed by the Chancellor.”
- In this context, the phrase underscores the sentiment that the government’s plan isn’t delivering the expected “magic” to the SMEs.
- Such playful language suggests the reception was more “let’s see if this rabbit can hop after the budget” than “the rabbit is gone.”
Why the numbers matter for small businesses
The jump from 34% to 38% tells us that a growing portion of the SME community feels either overlooked or disappointed by the policy shifts. In a world where change is measured not just by numbers but by the morale they inspire, this uptick could indicate:
- More need for flexible tax relief.
- A demand for clearer incentives to help businesses expand.
- The forecast that “no rabbits” will actually turn into a literal lack of tangible benefits.
Final thoughts – are we ready for another rabbitless budget?
While the Chancellor’s hat may not be carrying any rabbits today, the real question is whether forthcoming budgets will start to feel as itchy as a bunny’s nose for the small‑business sector. The numbers are a wake‑up call: a brighter, more tangible helping hand is due.
Spring Budget: Jeremy Hunt’s NI big play doesn’t score with the public
Budget Buzz: What People Really Think
Opinium’s latest poll shows the public reaction to this week’s Budget is a bit of a mixed bag. When Jeremy Hunt announced a cut in national insurance contributions, the crowds had a surprisingly quiet response.
Tax Trends: A Confusing Picture
- 31%: Think tax levels have gone up.
- 29%: Believe tax levels are unchanged.
- 17%: Feel that taxes are down after the Budget.
So, while the government’s big move was a national insurance cut, folks are still scratching their heads about whether their wallets feel heavier or lighter.
What’s the Budget Trying to Fix?
- 25%: Believe the Budget’s prime goal is to tame inflation and keep the cost of living in check.
- 21%: Think it’s focused on improving the general state of the economy.
Most people have a general feel that the Budget got muddled over its own purpose.
Good or Bad? The Verdict
- 38%: Viewed the Budget as bad.
- 18%: Pleased with it, calling it good.
- 44%: Stuck in a gray zone, feeling unsure.
That’s a step downhill compared to how people reacted to the Autumn Statement back in November: only 23% thought it was good, 27% thought it was bad, and a whopping half of respondents were on the fence.
A Quick Takeaway
The Budget has shaken up opinions, but it hasn’t settled the debate on whether taxes are up or down. As for its aims, most people think it’s about tackling inflation and the cost-of-living roller‑coaster, yet the country still feels split on whether they’re actually better off.
Workers and higher earners deemed most likely to benefit from Spring Budget
The 2024 Budget: A Love‑Hate Relationship?
The latest budget has sparked a spirited debate. If you’ve heard the whispers, you’re not alone—here’s what the numbers are saying.
Who’s Feeling the Love?
- High‑income folk: 49% think the agenda is a win for them, whereas only 13% see a downside.
- People in the workforce: 44% feel it’s a step in the right direction, with 14% complaining that it’s a step back.
Personal Wallets: The Ultimate Mirror
- Only 23% believe the budget will boost their personal finances.
- Another 23% wager the net effect will be negative.
- The remaining 42% feel nothing will change—neither good nor bad.
Could It Have Gone Further?
“The public says the government should have done more,” notes James Crouch, head of public affairs and policy at Opinium. “Many hope for deeper cuts for ordinary people, more investment in the future, and tighter control on spend that matters to the average citizen.”
- 45% want deeper tax cuts for everyday folks.
- 42% wish for larger investments in the UK’s long‑term future.
- 41% insist the budget should guard crucial government spending for the masses.
The Hidden Twist
According to Crouch, the budget was expected to turnaround a double‑digit polling deficit. Yet Jeremy Hunt may find the headline tax‑cut he chased all this time hasn’t quite clinched any big win.
His big takeaway? “If the Conservatives want this budget to pay off in election terms, they’ll rely on voters truly feeling the impact of the National Insurance (NI) cut and enjoying any economic recovery—more so than the lingering cost‑of‑living gloom that has been raining on everyone’s parade for the past two years.”
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