Poll casts shadow over Labour ahead of conference as voters say party failing to meet expectations

A Survation poll of more than 2,000 voters published ahead of Labour's annual conference in Liverpool finds that two-thirds believe Labour has failed to meet expectations since Keir Starmer's landslide victory. The survey shows disillusionment is strongest among working-class voters, of whom about three-quarters say Labour has not lived up to promises, with only about one per cent saying Labour has exceeded expectations.

Dealing with the cost of living is named as the top priority by respondents, closely followed by tackling immigration. With inflation now roughly twice what it was at the time of the last election, voters feel worse off under Labour and think the economy has deteriorated since Rachel Reeves took charge at the Treasury. The public also expresses little faith that Labour will address the illegal immigration crisis, despite a tougher tone from the prime minister.

In the poll, just 28 per cent of people believe Labour will succeed in stopping small boats crossing the Channel, while 64 per cent say they will fail. A similar 64-27 split exists over Labour's new one in, one out deal with France meant to deter crossings. The public even backs withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights by 36-25, despite Labour leader Keir Starmer's stated opposition to such a step.

Economy judgments are equally harsh: Reeves says Labour wants to leave ordinary people better off, yet 45 per cent feel worse off with Labour in power, compared with 16 per cent who feel better off. On the cost side, many voters oppose ending the two-child benefit cap, with a 52-30 majority against scrapping it, despite pressure within Labour. Voters also express concern about prison policy, with 47 per cent fearing higher crime and only 17 per cent expecting crime to fall if short sentences are cut.

Reform is identified as the main electoral threat to Labour. The poll shows Nigel Farage's Reform party leading with 29 per cent support, well ahead of Labour on 20 per cent, Conservatives on 15, Lib Dems on nine and Greens on eight. Farage is viewed more favourably by voters than Starmer, with a net rating of plus five for Farage versus Starmer's minus 24. Among other leaders, Prime Minister and party figures receive mixed reviews: Farage has a net positive; Starmer negative; the PM's own ratings show visible skepticism among voters.

The run-up to Labour's conference has been overshadowed by scandals that have fed voter cynicism. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Britain's ambassador to the United States, Lord Mandelson, are among those who left government amid criticism of past associations and decisions. A separate controversy concerns Starmer's top adviser, Morgan McSweeney, who faces questions over alleged undisclosed donations. By a margin of 66-25, voters say Starmer failed to keep his pre election pledge to clean up politics. Still, some policy areas score better: ID cards win 48-23 support, and a youth mobility scheme with the EU enjoys 46-18 support. Voters are divided on whether the Tories and Reform should form a pact to defeat Labour at the next election, with 49-29 opposing the idea overall, though Tory and Reform supporters are split on the question.