UK politics live: Half of Labour voters ‘let down’ by Starmer, Jenrick vows he won’t return Tories to centre

Another YouGov poll has revealed that only 9 per cent of voters believe the UK is in better shape since Labour’s general election win.

The survey, conducted between 4 to 6 October, suggests growing disappointment just months into Sir Keir Starmer’s government.

The poll found that 39 per cent of respondents think the country has worsened since Labour took power, while 44 per cent believe things have stayed about the same.

Even among Labour voters, only 24 per cent feel the nation is in a better place.

Downing Street has declined to label Sir Keir Starmer’s first 100 days as prime minister a success, insisting it’s “for the public to judge”.

An official spokesperson said: “The prime minister is clear it is for the public to judge that.

“We welcome, however, the vote of confidence that we have seen from businesses today and the statements that they have made in relation to progress delivering growth which is our central mission and that has certainly been a vote of confidence in the government’s actions.”

Pressed again on whether his 100 days have been successful, the spokesperson added: “Again, that is for the public to judge.”

Robert Jenrick has suggested he regrets covering up cartoon murals at a processing centre for lone child migrants when he was serving as immigration minister.

The Tory leadership hopeful has said for the first time that he would not make the same decision again after it emerged last year he had ordered the images, which included Mickey Mouse, be taken down.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has the full story below:

Plaid Cymru has set its sights on dethroning Labour in Wales, with party members vowing to win the upcoming 2026 Senedd elections.

Ahead of the party’s two-day conference in Cardiff, Rhun ap Iorwerth told Sky News that a Labour victory in that election was “not inevitable” and that Plaid’s chances to win were realistic.

“The poll taken immediately after the UK general election showed us just one percentage point behind Labour, showing quite clearly that change is possible,” he said.

“My job is to put us in the strongest possible position in terms of what we’re offering the people of Wales.”

Labour’s vote share since winning power has continued its dramatic slide to less than 30 per cent after voters aged 55 and over abandoned Keir Starmer’s party, new polling has revealed.

The Techne UK weekly tracker poll for The Independent has registered support for Labour falling to 29 per cent down five points from the election and two points below last week.

Our political editor David Maddox has the full story below:

Robert Jenrick has insisted he will not return the Conservative Party to the centre ground under his leadership.

In a recent interview, the Tory contender addressed speculation that he had promised to temper his right-wing rhetoric and adopt a more centrist stance.

The former immigration minister dismissed the claims and promised to remain in the “common ground” of British politics.

“There are those who say that the Conservative party, were I to lead it, is going to shift to the right. I actually don’t see these labels as at all relevant,” he said.

“What I want to see is the Conservative party occupy what I describe as the common ground of British politics. Those are the things that millions of our fellow citizens care about. Most people do not consider themselves left or right.”

Former chancellor George Osborne has weighed in on the Conservative leadership contest.

He claimed that Robert Jenrick would emerge a “more ruthless” leader compared to rival Kemi Badenoch.

Speaking on his Political Currency podcast, Mr Osborne described Mr Jenrick’s willingness to be “malleable” as a political asset, suggesting that his ability to adapt positions to secure wins makes him the best candidate.

He said: “I would say that Robert Jenrick is in some ways a sort of safer choice because he is playing safe.

“He’s shown he’s very - this will be taken the wrong way, but I don’t mean it like this - sort of malleable. He’ll move to where he thinks he can win, and in an opposition leader, that’s a very attractive quality.”

He added: “I think Jenrick will be more ruthless. If he thinks you can win on the centre ground, he’ll move the party to the centre ground. I think Kemi Badenoch is more authentic, in the sense of, ‘this is what I believe and you can take it or leave it’.

“Anyone who’s dealt with her in private will know she’s very robust, and she quite often puts people’s backs up, because she tells people what she thinks, but that’s also a very attractive quality.”

In a strategic move to appeal to centrist Conservatives, Robert Jenrick has suggested he could invite James Cleverly to join his shadow cabinet if he wins.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Jenrick described Mr Cleverly as a “friend” and “would be delighted for him to serve in the shadow cabinet, should he want to do so”.

The shadow home secretary, a centrist voice within the party, was eliminated from the leadership contest on Wednesday, leaving Mr Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch as the final two contenders.

However, Tory Reform Group, representing many one-nation Conservatives, voiced dissatisfaction with both rivals.

As Labour approaches its 100th day in power, a YouGov poll has revealed that nearly 60 per cent of the public disapproves of the government’s performance so far.

The survey indicates that 59 per cent felt unimpressed, with only 18 per cent expressing approval.

The results represent a rocky start for Sir Keir Starmer, but they are not as dire as the previous government’s ratings.

Despite the discontent, a portion of the public remains cautiously optimistic.

About 37 per cent of respondents claimed they do not have high hopes for the government but are willing to give it a chance, while 17 per cent expressed confidence that Labour would succeed.

Specific policies have triggered disapproval, particularly the early release of prisoners, a decision aimed at easing overcrowding, which 68 per cent of respondents opposed.

The means testing of the winter fuel allowance also garnered criticism, with more than half disapproving.

The UK economy grew in August after two months of being flat, the latest official figures show.

Gross domestic product (GDP) recorded a 0.2 per cent growth in August, an increase on no growth in June and July, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

While growth was already forecast in economic predictions, it will come as a boost for new Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the autumn budget at the end of October.

But ONS warned that the “broader picture” still reflects one of “slowing growth” compared to the first half of this year.

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