Sir Keir Starmer’s ratings fall

The Ipsos MORI research has revealed that Sir Keir Starmer’s ratings have plunged to the same low level as Jeremy Corbyn’s at the same stage of his leadership. It also revealed that Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is seen by the public and by Labour’s own supporters as a better potential Prime Minister than Sir Keir.  London mayor Sadiq Khan also trails behind Burnham as a would-be PM. The findings, which will set alarm bells ringing in Labour circles, show Sir Keir’s ratings have fallen sharply, including scores for being “a capable leader” and for “having sound judgment”.

An election campaign is in full swing on Warwick Road in Batley, but there are no posters in windows, or groups of canvassers going door to door. However, according to a story in The Times, “in the heart of the town’s South Asian community, political messages are spreading like wildfire on voters’ phones.”  

YouTube videos of Galloway’s speeches and anti-Labour memes are going viral. Labour’s voters that reside in Batley and Spen, is in the top 15 constituencies where Muslim voters are most influential. The story stated that the Muslim Council of Britain estimates the number of Muslim voters likely to turn out in the by-election to be about 8,600 — more than twice the Labour majority.

It cannot be denied that it is the Muslim vote that will play a pivotal role in the final electoral win that may ultimately decide whether or not Leadbeater is successful. Disappointed by Sir Keir Starmer’s failure to speak up over international issues and angered by what they say is years of being taken for granted, their support is said to be “crumbling”. South Asian voters have turned away from the party. The Times wrote, “Starmer’s “on-the-fence” approach to Israel and Palestine, and in particular his cautious and infrequent statements during the most recent violence in Gaza, have angered Muslim communities.

 “The Muslim community, I think they’re going to be voting for him,” said Usman Iqbal, 36, working at Zakee Mini Market on Warwick Road. A protest vote could be cast in order to send a message to the Labour leadership. Starmer’s ranking has dipped more than Corbyn’s. His address of Kashmir as a “bilateral issue” did not go down well in 2019 which was critical of India’s actions towards Muslim-majority Kashmir.

It is being said that it’s a conversation that the Labour leader should be taking very seriously. “The party’s failure to hold onto its white working-class voters saw its red wall crumble 18 months ago. If South Asian voters also desert the party en masse it will make Labour’s route to power — and Starmer’s job — even more precarious,” the report said.