According to a recent study by polling company Savanta, the majority of the UK public views the Conservative Party as “unelectable”. The research revealed that 68% of the population holds this belief, with even 42% of 2024 Conservative voters sharing the same sentiment.
The study also highlighted a significant gap between the Conservative and Labour Party brands. Only 19% of UK adults believe that the Conservative Party is currently “electable”, in stark contrast to the 63% who view Labour as electable. Additionally, only 15% of respondents think that the Conservative Party is “united”, while 54% believe that Labour is united. Furthermore, just 27% of the public feel that the Conservative Party truly understands the issues facing the country, compared to 57% for Labour.
While the findings present challenges for both parties, they also indicate a level of skepticism towards politicians in general. Only 32% of respondents believe that the Labour Party keeps its promises, with 36% claiming that they break them, and 32% unsure. Similarly, only 17% think that the Conservative Party keeps its promises.
The study also revealed divided opinions on whether Labour “stands up for people like me”, with 43% in agreement and 39% in disagreement. Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta, emphasized the significant gap between the Conservative and Labour Party brands. He noted that any prospective Conservative Party leader must address issues of trust, unity, and electability stemming from their 14 years in government.
Despite the challenges faced by the Conservative Party, Labour is not without its own obstacles. The study highlighted a sense of cynicism towards Keir Starmer’s party, with voters expressing doubts about their ability to keep promises.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Savanta underscores the need for both the Conservative and Labour Parties to address concerns surrounding trust, unity, and electability. As the UK public continues to question the reliability of politicians, it is clear that both parties must work towards rebuilding trust and demonstrating their commitment to fulfilling promises.
