London, November 23, 2025
Recent polling reveals that four senior Labour figures—Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, and Ed Miliband—would each defeat current leader Keir Starmer in a hypothetical Labour leadership contest, underscoring significant discontent among party members ahead of the next general election.
Poll Findings Highlight Leadership Challenges
The polling results position Andy Burnham as the strongest challenger, with 62% of Labour members favoring him over Starmer’s 29%. Streeting also surpasses Starmer among members who supported the leader in 2020, securing 38% support compared to Starmer’s 35%. Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband similarly outperform Starmer in head-to-head matchups, as demonstrated by recent surveys conducted by Survation and YouGov.
More than half (54%) of Labour members express the view that the party requires new leadership before the forthcoming general election, suggesting a burgeoning leadership crisis within the party’s grassroots.
Regional and Membership Sentiments
Regional polling reveals Burnham’s strongest backing in North West England, where 69% of members support him. Although Starmer holds relatively higher favorability in Wales and London at 40% each, he remains behind Burnham by an 11-point margin in London. In other regions—including London, the North East, and Yorkshire—Streeting leads as the preferred alternative.
Starmer’s overall favorability among Labour voters has fallen sharply to 42%, falling below a majority for the first time since assuming leadership. Meanwhile, 52% of Labour voters hold an unfavorable view of him, marking his lowest standing to date. Rayner, Streeting, and Miliband register higher popularity metrics compared to the current leader.
Political Context and Potential Leadership Dynamics
These findings emerge amid speculation regarding an imminent leadership challenge. Reports indicate Wes Streeting is preparing to mount a leadership bid, leveraging his rising support across key regions. While Burnham—who has garnered the broadest membership backing—would need to re-enter Parliament to pursue candidacy, his popularity renders him a formidable contender.
The data reflect widespread dissatisfaction with Starmer’s leadership style and strategic direction, particularly within the party’s grassroots base. This dissatisfaction is compounded by discussions on policy orientation and the party’s ability to appeal electorally in the lead-up to national elections.
Implications for Labour Party and Broader Political Landscape
The evolving poll landscape signals a crisis of confidence that could reshape internal Labour party dynamics. The strong support for multiple senior figures willing to challenge Starmer highlights potential fractures in party unity and policy consensus.
As the Labour Party confronts significant economic and political challenges on the national stage, these leadership uncertainties may influence strategic decisions, campaign approaches, and the party’s prospects at the ballot box. Observers will closely monitor how Labour navigates this period of heightened internal competition and external pressure in the months ahead.