Voters back Keir Starmer to change Labour for the better - but poll boost for PM

Four in 10 voters back Keir Starmer to change Labour for the better, a poll revealed today.

Some 43% of those quizzed think the new party leader will have a positive impact having taken over from Jeremy Corbyn this month.

Thirty-one per cent believe he will make no difference, while just 6% believe he will change it for the worse.

A fifth said they did not know.

But the scale of the challenge facing Mr Starmer was underlined in the online Ipsos MORI survey of 1,069 adults.

It showed 40% have an unfavourable opinion of Labour, compared with 30% who had a favourable view.

The scale of the task facing Mr Starmer was outlined in the poll (Getty Images)

Jeremy Corbyn bowed out four months after leading Labour to its worst defeat for 84 years (Michael Lloyd)

In contrast, 39% had a favourable view of the Conservatives against 37% who had an unfavourable opinion.

And when it came to Boris Johnson, 51% had a favourable view of the Prime Minister, compared with 31% who thought the opposite.

Ipsos MORI managing director of public affairs Kelly Beaver said: “Our findings show that during these uncertain times public opinion continues to move in a more favourable direction for Boris Johnson as he leads the country through the Coronavirus crisis and Brits rally round the Government – an effect we’re seeing in a number of countries.

Boris Johnson won an 80-seat majority for the Conservatives last December (REUTERS)

“There is a glimmer of hope for Keir Starmer as he takes over as Labour leader, with more people thinking he will make the Labour Party better than worse.

“Only time will tell if that translates into popular support for the party rising.”