BURNHAM LOSES 10 POINT LEAD – Andy Burnham’s popularity has plummeted 5% ahead of the crucial Makerfield by-election
Andy Burnham’s popularity has plummeted by 5% ahead of the crucial Makerfield by-election, a poll has shown. He still holds a slight advantage according to recent polls.
The Labour leadership hopeful also had an approval rating of minus 7 per cent in a poll by Ipsos, down 15 percentage points on the previous month. It is the lowest net rating that has ever been recorded for him by Ipsos.
Mr Burnham, who still has the highest net score of any politician, has said he will run against Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership if elected by voters in Makerfield on Thursday. The Greater Manchester Mayor is projected to beat Reform UK after appearing to take a tougher stance on issues including welfare and migration during the campaign.
Wes Streeting, who has also said he will stand against Sir Keir after resigning as health secretary last month, saw his net approval rating fall by 12 percentage points from minus 18 per cent to minus 30 per cent.
In a major speech in central London on Tuesday morning, Mr Streeting will pledge new emergency powers to speed up housebuilding and major infrastructure projects if he becomes prime minister.
