Keir Starmer's popularity plunges to record low after winter fuel payments betrayal

Sir Keir Starmer's popularity has plummeted to its lowest level on record, new polling shows.

The survey by More in Common puts the Prime Minister's net approval rating on minus 16.

It is a drop of 27 points from his post-election high of 11 after he entered No 10 in July.

The polling, carried out from August 24 to 27, found that 56% disapprove of Labour's controversial decision to axe winter fuel payments for most pensioners, compared to just 23% who back the move.

Some 82% of over 75s oppose the move, but this drops to 36% among those aged 18-24.

More in Common director Luke Tryl said the decision to restrict winter fuel payments to only those on pension credit "seems to have become less popular over time with voters", but added that there was an "age skew".

Meanwhile, 63% said Sir Keir's Government is only interested in helping their allies amid a cronyism row.

Mr Tryl said: "Voters also now seem to be somewhat sceptical about Starmer's country before party pledge."

The PM has faced accusations of cronyism following revelations Lord Waheed Alli, a major Labour donor, had received a security pass for 10 Downing Street, as well as jobs in the Civil Service being given to Labour donors.

It comes as separate polling by YouGov found 51% disapprove of the new Government, down 20 points from July 29.

Just 23% approve in the survey conducted between August 24 and 26.

Dylan Difford, a data journalist at YouGov, said: “While it is true to say that the new government is currently more popular than its predecessor was before the election, it is more a case of being less unpopular than popular in its own right.

“Compared to YouGov data at roughly the same point after other recent elections, the current approval for the government is undoubtedly below average.”