Poll Indicates Starmer Triumphs Over Streeting in Leadership Contest
Recent polling results indicate a significant divide among Labour Party members regarding leadership preferences. Conducted by Survation for LabourList, the survey explored potential head-to-head contests among key figures, particularly Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting, and Ed Miliband.
Key Leadership Contest Findings
The data reveals that Keir Starmer would lose a direct competition against Angela Rayner. Rayner, the former deputy leader, would claim about 48% of Labour members’ support, securing an 11-point lead over Starmer, who garners 37%. Furthermore, 15% of respondents remain undecided.
Geographical Support Breakdown
Support for Rayner is notably robust in South East England (60%) and the North West (59%). In contrast, Starmer’s strongest backing comes from Yorkshire and the Humber (48%), London (46%), and Wales (45%).
Comparative Contests: Starmer, Streeting, and Miliband
In a contest between Starmer and Wes Streeting, Starmer would achieve 42% support while Streeting would receive 30%. This scenario leaves 28% of respondents unsure. Starmer’s backing from Bridget Phillipson supporters is notable, with over half (52%) favoring him in this matchup.
| Contest | Starmer | Opponent | Support (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starmer vs. Rayner | 37 | Rayner | 48 |
| Starmer vs. Streeting | 42 | Streeting | 30 |
| Starmer vs. Miliband | 44 | Miliband | 41 |
Potential Challenges Ahead
In another hypothetical scenario, about 53% of members would prefer Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham over Starmer, although Burnham is not eligible to run as he is not an MP.
Emma Burnell, editor of LabourList, commented that Starmer maintains a “decent base” among party members, but faces challenges from more popular figures at this time.
Damian Lyons Lowe of Survation characterized Starmer’s leadership as “far from secured,” acknowledging that he could face difficulties against both Rayner and Burnham.
Polling Methodology
This poll surveyed 1,264 members of the Labour Party between January 29 and February 3. Data was adjusted to reflect the demographics of party members based on age, sex, region, and deputy leadership vote patterns.
As discussions about Labour’s future continue, the polling results shed light on the preferences and divisions among its members, underscoring the competitive landscape within the party.
