Net Approval Ratings
Approve minus Disapprove · June 2026Keir Starmer
Starmer's ratings have declined steadily since taking office. The winter fuel cut was a turning point, with disapproval rising sharply from late 2024. His net score of −43 places him among the most unpopular sitting PMs since records began.
Kemi Badenoch
Badenoch holds the least negative net rating of the three main leaders, but faces a significant challenge in broadening Conservative appeal beyond the party's shrinking core vote while Reform UK hovers to her right.
Nigel Farage
Farage is the most polarising major leader in British politics. Despite a net rating of −15, his 23% approval score is among the highest of any non-governing party leader and reflects his extraordinary grip on a specific segment of the electorate.
Ed Davey
Davey has a high "don't know" rate due to lower media profile, which keeps his disapproval lower than other leaders. The Lib Dems' 72 seats after 2024 give Davey a platform, but national recognition remains a challenge.
Net Approval Trend: Starmer vs Farage
Understanding Leader Approval Ratings
Net approval is calculated by subtracting the percentage of respondents who disapprove of a leader from those who approve. A positive figure means more people approve than disapprove. A figure of −44 means disapproval exceeds approval by 44 percentage points — the current position of Keir Starmer.
Why all leaders are unpopular
June 2026 sees all three main party leaders in negative territory — a reflection of a broad public mood of political disillusionment. Polling consistently shows that voters feel let down by both Labour and the Conservatives, while Reform UK's Nigel Farage, despite leading his party to near the top of national VI polls, cannot overcome his divisive reputation.
Badenoch's opportunity
Kemi Badenoch's −15 net score ties her with Farage but is only the third-worst result in the current table. With Reform UK now leading polls at 28%, Badenoch faces pressure to explain why voters should back the Conservatives over Farage's party. As Leader of the Opposition, she faces a squeeze from Reform UK on her right flank while trying to persuade former Lib Dem swing voters in the South of England that the Conservatives deserve a second look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keir Starmer's approval rating?
As of June 2026, Keir Starmer has a net approval rating of −43%, with 19% approving and 61% disapproving. This is among the lowest ratings for a sitting Prime Minister in modern UK polling history.
Who is the most popular UK party leader?
None of the three main leaders holds a positive net approval rating. Kemi Badenoch has the least negative score at −2, ahead of Nigel Farage at −15 and Keir Starmer at −43. Ed Davey of the Lib Dems scores +1 but has lower name recognition.
Why is Nigel Farage's approval so polarising?
Farage scores 23% approval but 38% disapproval, giving a net of −15. His support is highly concentrated among older, Leave-voting, working-class voters who back him strongly, while he registers deeply negative ratings among younger, urban, and university-educated voters.
Video: Further Analysis
Video: Analysis of Keir Starmer's record-low approval rating — and how it compares to other UK party leaders in the May 2026 polling data.