Sunak Seen as Weak on Economy Compared to Previous Tory PMs, Concerns Remain Over Economic Outlook

Rishi Sunak seen as less competent on economic affairs than most recent Conservative PMs in latest Opinium poll.
Sunak ranks below Cameron, May and Johnson but above Truss on economic management skills.
78% think Truss's party handled economy poorly during her brief leadership.
Concerns remain about economy - 48% think it will worsen in next 12 months.
Labour maintains 15 point lead over Tories in latest poll. Starmer seen as preferred PM over Sunak.

theguardian.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/19/2023

Most Britons believe the economy is getting worse despite wage boost

### Summary Pressure is mounting on Rishi Sunak to drive economic growth, as voters express concerns about the state of the economy despite recent positive figures. ### Facts - 62% of voters believe the economy is getting worse, while only 11% think it is improving. - Inflation has slowed to 6.8% in the year to July. - The Labour party is polling at 36% while the Conservatives are at 23%. - The Treasury is taking steps to support consumers, with Minister Andrew Griffith calling for banks to pass on the benefits of higher interest rates to savers. - Banks have been warned that they will face fines if they fail to provide free cash withdrawal and deposit services within specific distances from customers. - Economists and Tory MPs are urging the government to focus on reducing energy costs and costs in sectors such as transportation, housing, and retail banking to avoid stagflation and promote economic growth. - Tory MPs are relieved by positive news on the economy but want the government to address issues such as NHS waiting lists and migrants crossing the Channel.

9/24/2023

Sunak's Absence from Climate Summit and Policy U-turns Risk Angering Voters and His Own Party

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's absence from the UN climate summit and subsequent U-turn on key climate change commitments has drawn criticism and scorn from environmentalists and officials, highlighting the growing political concerns of the Conservative government as they struggle in the polls and seek to find new strategies to appeal to undecided voters and counterattack Labour.

10/1/2023

Sunak dodges HS2 question as Tories push tax cuts, Labour 'bombproofs' policies, Mirren comments on Jewish roles amid net zero uncertainty

Senior Tories, including former home secretary Dame Priti Patel and levelling up secretary Michael Gove, have voiced support for tax cuts and reductions in income tax and inheritance tax ahead of the election, while Rishi Sunak avoided commenting on whether the HS2 rail line would reach Manchester but emphasized the importance of tackling inflation.

10/10/2023

Labour Conference: Starmer Pitches Himself as Next PM Despite 'Boring' Image

The UK's opposition Labour Party is optimistic about its chances in the next general election and confident in its leader Keir Starmer, who is seen as a steady and competent alternative to the ruling Conservatives.

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Posted 9/16/2023, 7:17:00 PM