It is “for the public to judge” whether Labour’s first 100 days of government has gone well, Downing Street said amid Sir Keir Starmer’s sinking poll ratings.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson declined to say if his first three months in office have been a success, ahead of the milestone being hit tomorrow.
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Governments traditionally seek to set a positive, dynamic tone in their first 100 days, targeting quick, visible actions that can establish a narrative about what they are doing and where they are going.
But Sir Keir has struggled to do this amid a row over donations and freebies and backlash within his own ranks about policies like the cut to the winter fuel payment, which have damaged his approval ratings.
Asked about whether the first 100 days could be viewed as a success, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “That is for the public to judge. The government is focused on delivery and the action that it takes.”
A drinks reception to celebrate the milestone was also ruled out.
Multiple polls suggest Labour’s popularity with the public has plunged since its general election landslide in July.
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‘What will you do in your first 100 days?’
A survey published today by YouGov found 59% of people disapproved of its record so far, while just 18% approved.
Two policies in particular drew anger – scrapping the universal winter fuel allowance and releasing prisoners early to ease overcrowding.
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Ministers blamed the measures on their inheritance from the Tories, including a £22bn “blackhole” in the public finances and a prison system on the brink of collapse.
The YouGov poll showed there was majority support for other policies, such as making a pay deal with junior doctors, lifting the ban on onshore wind farms, keeping the two-child benefit cap and suspending some arms sales to Israel.
But overall, four in ten said the country is in a worse state since the election, and nearly half of those who voted Labour said they had positive expectations but feel let down so far.
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Sue Gray is having a ‘short break’
In a double whammy of bad polling, research by Ipsos found over half (52%) of Britons are unfavourable towards Sir Keir – the highest level since he became Labour leader.
Labour are also leading the Conservatives by just one point, down 11% from the summer, according to a survey by More In Common published earlier this week.
The prime minister’s spokeswoman cited reform of workplace rights and “action to deliver growth” when asked to list some of the new government’s achievements.
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Speaking later to reporters, Sir Keir pointed to the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions, featuring devolved leaders from across the UK, as well as promises of up to £24bn investment in green projects.
He refused to be drawn on a separate paused £1bn investment into a port in London following comments made by ministers about P&O Ferries, saying a summit on Monday, when the funding was due to be announced, will still attract global financiers which will be “very good for the country”.
Sir Keir also dodged a question on the whereabouts of Sue Gray, who was not at the meeting of devolved leaders today despite being appointed as an envoy to the “nations and regions” following her resignation as his chief of staff.
The government will look to the budget on 30 October as an opportunity to set a more positive narrative about its direction, amid speculation Capital Gains Tax could be increased to fund crumbling public services.