UK PM Rishi Sunak faces leadership test as Tories trail Labour in new poll

NEW DELHI: A comprehensive poll conducted by former Tory treasurer Lord Ashcroft has revealed that the Conservative Party is trailing behind Labour on every significant political issue as articulated by the voters. This includes traditional Conservative strongholds such as defence, tax, and immigration, with an astonishing 35-point deficit on matters related to the NHS.
As per a Daily Mail report, despite the overwhelming support for Labour across these issues, 45% of the electorate expressed reservations about a government led by Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer. This sentiment places considerable pressure on current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to avert a potential electoral defeat.
The poll, which surveyed over 5,400 voters, indicates that Labour holds a commanding 21-point lead over the Conservatives, with potential results translating into a historic landslide victory for Labour if the trend holds in the upcoming general .
Key findings from the poll include:
On the NHS and social care, 49% of respondents favored Labour, compared to only 14% for the Conservatives.
Labour also leads on the cost of living with a 41:19 margin, and on the economy and jobs with a 37:23 margin.
Even on immigration, traditionally a Conservative stronghold, Labour leads by 34:20.
Addressing the issue of leadership, only 13% of respondents felt that the Conservative Party’s values align closely with those of the public, and a mere 11% believe the Tories will win the upcoming election. Meanwhile, 34% of respondents see Sir Keir Starmer as the preferable Prime Minister over Sunak, who garnered only 19% support.
The poll also touched on controversial policies such as the plan to deport Channel migrants to Rwanda, which is seen as critical to galvanizing Conservative support. Yet, public opinion is divided: 38% support the scheme, whereas 42% echo Sir Keir’s opposition, the Daily Mail report said.
Lord Ashcroft highlighted the dilemma faced by Sunak, whether to delay the election in hopes of a political turnaround or to proceed as planned. He noted, “We can surely understand why a beleaguered PM would want to put off calling an election for as long as possible in the hope that something might turn up. But what if things just keep getting worse?”
As the political landscape shifts, the Conservatives face the challenge of not only retaining their base but also winning back those who have shifted their allegiance to other parties, a task made daunting by the widespread preference for Labour across almost all policy fronts.