Labour's lead over Tories declined in favor of Sunak in Labor polls after local elections

Pharmacist Peter Bailey checked Rishi Sunak's blood pressure. Photo: BEN BIRCHALL the smallest margin since Rishi Sunak became prime minister.

Despite the disappointing results of the local elections, a new poll showed that Labor won 41 percent of the vote, four points less than just over a week ago, while the Tories were up 29 percent, up one point.

A 12-point lead in a survey conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies' ties to Labor on May 7 were the closest since Mr Sunak took over from Liz Truss last October.

These numbers will give Conservative MPs some hope that the party is moving in the right direction, despite losing more than 1,000 councilors in last week's election vote.

On the night of the failed local elections, the Conservatives lost control of 48 councils and Labor gained 22 councils and 537 councillors, making them the largest party in local government.

1005 general elections

Meanwhile, the poll also revealed a surge in support for the Liberal Democrats, with the party up four points to 16% overall; this is the highest score since the 2019 general election.

Reform UK received less than a third of Lib Dem support, five per cent, down two points from the last poll.

The Greens remain flat at four percent, while the Scottish National Party is at three percent, up one point.

Starmer leads Sunak by six points

The poll also shows Sir Keir Stamer ahead of Rishi Sunak by six points on who will be the best prime minister.

Labour leader gets 41% support, no change; with the Tory leader down 35%, down two points.

Mr. Sunak earns a net approval rating of minus seven percent (down two points), with 33% approving his overall performance vs. 40% cent disapproves.

Sir Keir's net approval rating is plus 10%, the same as last week. Some 38% approve of Starmer's work, while 28% disapprove.

The government's net competency rating this week is minus 20%, up three points from last Sunday.

A total of 24% think the government is competent and 44% think it is incompetent.

About 35% of respondents think a Labor Party majority is the most likely outcome. if a general election were held within the next six months.

Another 13% expect a minority government to be led by Labor. 17% expect the majority to be from the Conservative Party, and another 14% expect the minority government to be led by the Conservatives.

About 60% of British voters named the economy as one of the three most important issues they will vote on in the general election, ahead of healthcare (57%).

Respondents also chose immigration (27 %), education (25%), housing (20%), environment (19%) and law enforcement/crime (18%).