The Labour Party is under increasing pressure as it heads into local elections and the Runcorn by-election on May 1, reported Daily Mail. Recent polls show a dramatic fall in popularity since Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, according to the report.
This drop follows YouGov findings that revealed that the government's approval rating has dropped to a joint record low, according to the report. With only 14% of the public satisfied with the Labour Party's performance and 68% dissatisfied, the party's net result is now at minus 53, reported Daily Mail.
While Labour was supposed to be making gains in this year's local elections, the party's future remains uncertain, as per the report. The previous local elections, in 2021, were a peak moment for Boris Johnson's Tory administration, Daily Mail reported. Now, fears that Labour will instead lose seats begin to complicate the picture as pro-Gaza independents gain ground, as per the report.
Labour's chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves is under heavy pressure to sort out the UK's finances, according to the report. Last week, she was forced to drop large parts of her Autumn Budget as a result of the economy's stagnation and rising debt interest charges, reported Daily Mail. In a bid to stabilise the finances, Reeves revealed spending cuts and benefits reduction, the report added.
But her economic plans come under threat from US president Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, Daily Mail reported. After weeks of talks, Labour has failed to negotiate an exemption from Trump's trade war, as per the report. Trump is expected to introduce a 20% tariff on all imports, which would lower the UK's economic growth by as much as 1%, according to economists.
As per the Institute for Public Policy Research, the tariffs on car imports would put 25,000 UK jobs at risk and "completely destabilise" the industry, reported Daily Mail.
There are also worries that cheap goods from countries like China will flow into the UK, which would cause more problems for struggling manufacturers, according to the report.
Labour has lost three percentage points in the past week, now at 21%, trailing behind the Tories and Reform.
Why are Labour insiders worried about local elections?
Despite Labour’s expectation of gaining seats, there are concerns they could lose ground due to the rise of pro-Gaza independents.
Labour's Falling Approval Rating
The 'More in Common' poll showed Labour has lost three points in one week, now at 21%, behind the Tories at 26% and Reform at 25%, as per Daily Mail.This drop follows YouGov findings that revealed that the government's approval rating has dropped to a joint record low, according to the report. With only 14% of the public satisfied with the Labour Party's performance and 68% dissatisfied, the party's net result is now at minus 53, reported Daily Mail.
While Labour was supposed to be making gains in this year's local elections, the party's future remains uncertain, as per the report. The previous local elections, in 2021, were a peak moment for Boris Johnson's Tory administration, Daily Mail reported. Now, fears that Labour will instead lose seats begin to complicate the picture as pro-Gaza independents gain ground, as per the report.
Rachel Reeves Grapples with Financial Crisis
Labour's chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves is under heavy pressure to sort out the UK's finances, according to the report. Last week, she was forced to drop large parts of her Autumn Budget as a result of the economy's stagnation and rising debt interest charges, reported Daily Mail. In a bid to stabilise the finances, Reeves revealed spending cuts and benefits reduction, the report added.
Potential Fallout from Trump's Tariffs
But her economic plans come under threat from US president Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, Daily Mail reported. After weeks of talks, Labour has failed to negotiate an exemption from Trump's trade war, as per the report. Trump is expected to introduce a 20% tariff on all imports, which would lower the UK's economic growth by as much as 1%, according to economists.As per the Institute for Public Policy Research, the tariffs on car imports would put 25,000 UK jobs at risk and "completely destabilise" the industry, reported Daily Mail.
There are also worries that cheap goods from countries like China will flow into the UK, which would cause more problems for struggling manufacturers, according to the report.
FAQs
How much has Labour's support dropped?Labour has lost three percentage points in the past week, now at 21%, trailing behind the Tories and Reform.
Why are Labour insiders worried about local elections?
Despite Labour’s expectation of gaining seats, there are concerns they could lose ground due to the rise of pro-Gaza independents.
Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.