Andy Burnham’s approval rises sharply after first week as UK prime minister
Polls show Andy Burnham’s approval jumped after his first week as UK prime minister, with voters responding positively to his Downing Street address and pledges on the cost of living.
Andy Burnham’s approval rating climbed significantly in the week after he succeeded Keir Starmer on 20 July, according to a Politico survey conducted with Public First.
The poll found a 17-point rise in overall support, with voters across most demographics responding favorably to his early priorities and communication style.
More than half of respondents watched Burnham’s first address from Downing Street, and many judged that he set out a clear vision and understands everyday problems.
Approval spike and poll figures
The Politico–Public First survey recorded an increase in Burnham’s approval from 2 percent at the end of June to 19 percent after his first week, a net rise of 17 points.
Respondents said they now view him as more honest, decisive, patriotic, strong and competent than they did before he became prime minister.
This shift was reported across a broad range of age groups and voter segments, indicating early momentum for the new leader.
Response to the Downing Street address
Some 54 percent of those surveyed said they had watched Burnham’s first speech at Downing Street, delivered without a podium, and the reaction was largely positive.
A majority agreed that he presented a clear plan for the country, would follow through on his promises and showed an understanding of the problems facing people like them.
Many respondents said his delivery increased their sense of hope for the future, echoing Burnham’s pledge to “bring back hope” in his opening remarks.
Cross-party appeal and Reform UK exception
Support for Burnham rose across most political allegiances, but one notable outlier was supporters of Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage.
Reform UK backers remained the primary bloc where Burnham’s gains did not register as strongly, although some Reform supporters still gave positive ratings on specific issues.
Survey analysts noted that while broad approval is encouraging, entrenched party loyalties will remain a critical factor as the new government settles in.
Context: Reform UK’s recent polling dominance
The survey places Burnham’s early surge against a backdrop of sustained attention on Reform UK, which has dominated headlines and opinion polls for the past 15 months.
Earlier forecasts had suggested Labour faced a difficult path in the next general election after setbacks in local and regional contests following its 2024 landslide.
The arrival of Burnham as prime minister appears to have altered that dynamic at least temporarily, with some polls over recent days showing Labour making modest gains over Reform for the first time since spring 2025.
Implications for Labour and parliamentary politics
Burnham’s initial popularity is likely to provide relief to Labour MPs who had contemplated a change in leadership after a difficult period under Keir Starmer.
Party figures will be watching whether the boost in public sentiment holds as Burnham outlines concrete policy measures, particularly on easing the cost of living.
With roughly three years until the next scheduled general election, political strategists caution that early enthusiasm must be consolidated through measurable action and consistent messaging.
Voter impressions of leadership traits
Survey participants said Burnham now appears more credible and capable than before, citing traits such as honesty, firmness and competence.
Analysts from Public First highlighted that people “do not yet have a reason not to like him,” suggesting a political window for the new prime minister to build trust.
How Burnham translates early goodwill into policy outcomes will be crucial to sustaining these positive impressions over the coming months.
The Politico–Public First findings offer the first comprehensive snapshot of public reaction to Andy Burnham’s initial days in office, showing a notable early upswing in approval and optimistic reactions to his Downing Street address.
Whether the polling bounce becomes a durable shift in the electorate’s view will depend on the government’s ability to deliver on cost-of-living measures and maintain clear, effective communication with voters.
For now, Burnham starts his tenure with a momentum that could reshape the immediate political landscape, but significant challenges remain as he moves from rhetoric to policy.
