Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, has seen her approval ratings fall sharply to record lows, according to a recent YouGov poll reported by the Express. The survey reveals that only 62% of respondents view her positively, while an equal 62% hold a negative view, resulting in a net favourability rating of -48%. This figure has declined by 7% over the past month and has worsened since she delivered the spring statement.

The poll highlights a significant drop in public confidence towards Ms Reeves, who briefly enjoyed a net positive favourability rating following Labour’s decisive victory in the 2024 General Election. The decline coincides with voter dissatisfaction over her handling of economic challenges, including the controversial government decision to reduce winter fuel payments for the majority of pensioners and the imposition of inheritance tax on farmers.

Ms Reeves’s economic strategy has also come under criticism due to measures announced in her spring statement, which involved cutting benefits in an effort to balance her economic plan. Critics, including concerns from various advocacy groups, have warned that these cuts disproportionately affect vulnerable and disabled individuals. Further public scrutiny arose after revelations that Ms Reeves had accepted free tickets to attend a concert by Sabrina Carpenter at London’s O2 Arena in March.

The YouGov poll also places Ms Reeves among the least popular of frontline politicians. Comparatively, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has a net approval rating of -34%, which has slightly improved following his management of the international crisis in Ukraine. Other political figures with similarly low net approval ratings include Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Conservative Kemi Badenoch, both at -38%. Within the Labour Party, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have net ratings of -29% and -28% respectively, outperforming Ms Reeves.

YouGov’s analysis also shows that Ms Reeves’s unpopularity extends to Labour supporters themselves, with 43% holding a negative view of her, contrasted with only 33% expressing a positive opinion. The polling data underscores growing public unease with Ms Reeves’s leadership on economic matters amid a complex domestic and international landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services