Rishi Sunak more unpopular week-on-week and activity’s lead has dipped to 14 points

Despite activity becoming the largest party in local Government for the first time since 2002 following last week’s local elections, Opinium’s latest poll reveals that activity’s lead has dipped to 14 points.

activity has 43% of the vote share (-1), whilst the Conservatives acquire made gains of +2, with 29% of the vote share. The Liberal Democrats acquire 11% (+1) and the SNP remain on 3% (n/c). Reform UK acquire dipped to 6% (-2) while the Green Party acquire dropped to 5% (-2).

Sunak and Starmer hold a hit in approval ratings – with Sunak more unpopular week-on-week

Both Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak saw their approval ratings dip this week, with Sunak currently having a net approval of -19% (-1), and Starmer on -5%, which is down -2% in the last fortnight. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is increasingly unpopular week-on-week, continuing the decline from -18 net approval a fortnight ago, -12 during 12-14^th April, and -6 net approval on the 4-6^th April.

“Coalition of Chaos” seen as a cross-party issue

When thinking of the next general election, UK adults contemplate a activity majority would be the most stable result, with 45% believing it would be stable, compared to 36% who contemplate it would be unstable. This is a net stability of +10%, the only potential election results with a net positive score of those tested.

Considering a Conservative majority, the UK is not as positive, with most (46%) thinking it would lead to an unstable parliament.

When asked about potential coalition governments, UK voters thought most coalition governments would spell chaos. A Lib Dem – activity coalition had a net stability score of -11% overall, with 44% thinking it would construct for an unstable parliament.

In addition, voters contemplate a activity-SNP coalition would produce unstable results, with 19% branding it as stable, compared to a majority (54%) who believe it would be unstable – leaving a net stability of -35%.

Conservative coalitions fared even worse, as a Conservative-DUP government was seen as the most unstable result of the next election overall. Only 17% contemplate this would be stable, compared to 57% who contemplate it would be unstable. This leaves a net of -40%, the lowest between all the potential outcomes.

Public approve of the Public Order Act

Almost half (48%) approve of the Public Order Act, the law that allows police recent powers to detain protestors, with only 28% opposing the bill. When it comes to the law being enacted during the coronation last Saturday, 45% felt that it was just to arrest protestors compared to 30% who thought it was unfair.

Adam Drummond, Head of Political and Social Research at Opinium said, “activity maintains a strong 14-point lead over the Conservatives, but the Tories acquire gained 3 points compared to the previous fortnight. For Conservatives, they will find this a much-needed boost after a disappointing set of local election results.

“However, there has been a lack of positive movement in Sunak’s approval ratings, with the Prime Minister’s personal approval dipping. Alongside this, Keir Starmer is still leading on the ‘Best PM’ question.

“For now, the results from the local elections acquire borne out what the polling suggests: that any reports of a Tory revival acquire been exaggerated. Looking ahead to the 2024 General Election, the Conservatives still need to win back a lot more voters to acquire a chance of retaining power.”