Voters think Blair would do better in Downing Street

Sunday, June 7, 2026

A recent Opinium poll shows that 39% of British voters believe former Prime Minister Tony Blair would be a more effective leader than current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and other prominent party figures. This sentiment underscores ongoing uncertainty within Labour as Blair warns that leadership changes without a clear policy plan could harm the party’s electoral prospects.

A recent poll indicates that a significant portion of the British public views former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair as a more capable leader than some of the current figures vying to lead the Labour Party and the country. The survey, conducted by Opinium shortly after Blair’s pointed critique of Labour’s direction, reveals that many voters believe the nation would be better served if Blair were in Downing Street once again.

According to the polling data, 39% of respondents felt Blair would outperform the current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, while 16% believed he would do worse. In comparisons with other prominent Labour figures, Blair received a favorable assessment from over one-quarter of voters relative to ex-Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was seen as a less effective option by 15% of respondents. When compared to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, 23% of those surveyed favored Blair, though 21% viewed him as a worse choice.

The poll also highlights public attitudes toward recent prime ministers overall. Among the last nine officeholders, Blair holds the highest net approval rating at +14. The former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major is the only other ex-premier with a net positive score, standing at +5. In contrast, ratings for other recent prime ministers were considerably less favorable: Gordon Brown (-10), David Cameron (-13), current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (-16), Boris Johnson (-21), Theresa May (-34), and Liz Truss (-67).

Blair, 73, recently issued a stern warning regarding the state of the Labour Party’s leadership contest, cautioning that efforts to remove the current prime minister without a clear policy alternative could have dangerous consequences. He described such maneuvers as reckless, emphasizing the need for a coherent strategic direction for both the party and the country before pursuing leadership changes.

This polling and Blair’s commentary come as Labour faces internal debate over its future policy direction and leadership approach, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about the party’s path forward and its prospects in upcoming elections.