Over the past six years, the UK political landscape has undergone significant upheavals characterized by substantial shifts, changes in leadership, and a complex interplay of domestic and global issues. This analysis delves into the period from 2017 to November 2023, exploring the trajectories of the last three Prime Ministers, party preferences, and the ever-evolving dynamics of British politics.
Recent voting intentions indicate a clear advantage for the Labour Party over the Conservative Party, reflecting the tumultuous tenure of Liz Truss as Prime Minister. By 2022, Boris Johnson assumed the presidency, Truss experienced a rise and fall in power, and Rishi Sunak emerged as the leader of the Conservative Party. As of 2023, Sunak faces numerous challenges, including an economic crisis, the Cost-of-Living Crisis, and the most severe NHS crisis in recent times.
Changing Voting Intentions (2017-2023)
As of November 2023, the Labour Party holds strong support from 47% of British adults, showcasing a notable shift in the nation’s political preferences. Conversely, the Conservatives trail with 23 per cent, signalling a significant setback for the ruling party. This reversal of fortunes traces back to a turbulent period in 2022 when the Conservatives began losing ground to Labour.
The gap in support widened notably in September 2022, coinciding with Liz Truss’s ascent to Prime Minister. Truss’s leadership was fraught with economic instability and internal
party discord, ultimately leading to her resignation. In October 2022, Rishi Sunak assumed the role of Prime Minister amid this political upheaval.
Published by Statista Research Department, Statista Research Department, November 9, 2023
Public Leadership Perception
Survey data indicates that just 22% of UK citizens view Rishi Sunak as the most suitable candidate for Prime Minister. In contrast, 32% favour Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Despite Sunak having a higher popularity rating than his predecessor, he has yet to convince voters that he surpasses Starmer as a preferable candidate. Sunak’s popularity during these tumultuous times mirrors Boris Johnson’s last months as the country’s premier.
A euphoric victory followed by a disastrous failure
Despite winning the leadership contest in five rounds, Liz Truss had the shortest term as Prime Minister in history. Her tenure was brief but dramatic. She resigned after less than two months in office after a controversial mini-budget sparked an economic meltdown, despite defeating Sunak in the final vote. Rishi Sunak took over in 2023, faced with multiple challenges facing the country.
Published by Statista Research Department, November 9, 2023
A History of Populist Politics
Despite the crisis of 2019, Boris Johnson rose to power due to his populist appeal. His tenure as Prime Minister was marred by scandals, especially the Partygate scandal in late 2021, which eroded his popularity. His resignation in 2022, amid a series of ministerial departures, ended his political career and ushered in Liz Truss’s short-lived leadership, which caused the economy to collapse. It illustrates the successes and failures of populist politics in the UK during this turbulent period.
2022: The Year of the Three Prime Ministers
A series of scandals and mistakes eroded Boris Johnson’s popularity during the political drama of 2022. Johnson became a liability for the Tories due to Partygate and other controversies, leading to internal plots against him. Johnson resigned in July after surviving a no-confidence vote in June. After a leadership contest in September, Liz Truss became the new Conservative leader. Following the Brexit vote, Truss’s term was cut short by an economic crisis caused by her unorthodox mini-budget. Rishi Sunak took over as Prime Minister, inheriting a country facing a number of problems.
Sunak’s 2023 challenges and opportunities
Having inherited a nation facing numerous challenges after Liz Truss’ brief tenure, Rishi Sunak assumed office. Brits consistently ranked the economy as one of the top three issues for 2022, with economic concerns dominating the agenda. The Cost-of-Living Crisis, driven by high inflation and soaring energy and food prices, resulted in the greatest drop in living standards in decades. As a result of staff shortages and unbearable waiting times in emergency and accident services, the National Health Service (NHS) faced one of its worst crises. Globally, the Ukraine War tested the UK’s resolve and that of its NATO allies. In order to secure his party’s position and possibly win the next general election, Sunak must successfully navigate these challenges.
The turbulent evolution of UK political landscape in brief
The UK political landscape from 2017 to 2023 has been one of change, resilience, and adaptation. Voter preferences have changed, Prime Ministers have changed frequently, and global events have affected this period. Although Rishi Sunak faces a daunting task in 2023, the legacy of leadership changes, economic shocks, and the ongoing Ukrainian war lingers. The dynamic nature of UK politics is illustrated by the shifting popularity of leaders and the complex interplay between public opinion. It is unpredictability that marks the Year of the Three Prime Ministers, with Boris Johnson’s downfall, Liz Truss’ win, and Sunak’s rise. The nation’s resilience and the leader’s strategic skills will be put to the test as Sunak deals with economic uncertainty, the Cost-of-Living Crisis, and the pressure on the NHS. YouGov/Times’ latest poll of November 9, 2023 provides a key compass for understanding the intricacies of the ever-evolving UK political landscape, capturing a snapshot of these dynamics. Among the latest polling intentions, Labour has gained a clear lead over the Conservative Party.
