Sunday, September 25, 2022

Keir Starmer rides wave of support for the monarchy


It is yet another clear break with the Jeremy Corbyn era when the party was led by its hard-Left faction and routed at the 2019 election, losing lifetime Labour seats to the Tories.

UK Opposition Leader Keir Starmer meets party faithful during the Labour conference in Liverpool.Credit:Getty Images

James Johnson, a former Number 10 pollster, said research conducted by his firm, J.L Partners, showed for the first time that a majority of young people now supported the monarchy.

The poll showed nationwide support for the crown at 66 per cent but at 55 per cent among 18- to 24-year-olds – up from 47 per cent in February prior to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Prince William, who has taken up his father’s climate advocacy, is the country’s most-loved royal with a 69 per cent approval rating, followed by his wife Catherine, who was just one per cent below.

Support for King Charles III surged by 27 per cent to 41 per cent.

“This poll shows there’s only one road in town for any mainstream political party when it comes to the monarchy: embrace it or place yourself on the wrong side of voters,” Johnson told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

The Queen is looming large over the Labour Party conference.

The Queen is looming large over the Labour Party conference.Credit:PA

“The average Brit, especially older voters who Labour must win to gain power, is saddened in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death but also more enthusiastic about the monarchy than ever.

“Being patriotic is no sufficient condition for Labour victory, but it is a necessary one – and today’s events at Labour conference show the party has taken one step closer to the voters it must win.”

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Britain is due to go to the polls in two years’ time when new Prime Minister Liz Truss is hoping her massive gamble on cutting taxes for companies and the rich will kickstart Britain’s somnambulant economy.

Starmer has vowed to reverse her tax cuts for the wealthy, but he plans to keep in place a 1 pence tax cut for those on lower incomes.

Separate polling conducted by Savanta and commissioned by an internal Labour pressure group, LabourList, showed Starmer could win government with a 56-seat majority after the opposition opened up a 12-point lead over the ruling Conservatives.

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Originally published at Sydney News HQ

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