Keir Starmer has lost public support due to his own actions.

It's hard to believe how quickly Labour's popularity has dwindled in recent months. As the days grow shorter and the warm summer months feel like a distant memory, it's clear that the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Just a few short months ago, when Keir Starmer confidently entered Downing Street with a majority of 174 seats, few could have predicted that his government would now be trailing behind Rishi Sunak's in the polls.

It's truly astounding how rapidly Labour's support has eroded. Starmer's personal approval ratings have plummeted from +6 in July to -21 now. And it's not just his individual standing that has taken a hit – a staggering 69% of voters believe that his government is more of the same, while 59% see Labour as "sleazy."

To be honest, I'm not surprised. There were warning signs during the election campaign that Labour failed to heed. As I spoke to voters from all corners of the country, it became clear that while they were desperate for change after 14 years of Tory rule, they were unimpressed by the lackluster approach taken by Labour. This is evident in the record number of people who voted for the Green Party for the first time, drawn in by our promise of real change and hope. Of course, I won't deny that many also voted for Labour, but it was more out of a desire to get the Tories out rather than genuine enthusiasm for Starmer's party.

So, how can Keir Starmer turn things around? It's important to acknowledge that it takes more than 100 days to undo the damage caused by 14 years of Conservative governments. However, this should have been all the more reason for Labour to act boldly upon taking office. Unfortunately, their approach has been anything but bold. In fact, as Starmer walked into Number 10, the Green Party had already laid out 10 steps that Labour should take in their first 100 days.

So, how have they measured up? It's clear that there have been some glaring failures. For example, they have refused to scrap the two-child benefit cap, despite the fact that data from the Child Poverty Action Group shows that 10,000 children have fallen into poverty since Labour came into power under this cruel policy. Their timidity is also evident in other areas, such as their reluctance to bring criminal charges against water companies for polluting our rivers and seas or to publish the legal advice on arms sales to Israel, even as evidence of genocide mounts in the region.

There have been a few positives, like introducing a Renters' Rights Bill and reaching a pay settlement with junior doctors. However, overall, there is a sense that Labour is playing it safe and lacking vision. And the polling data reflects this – the public clearly isn't impressed by their cautious approach. For example, they have ruled out controlling rents as part of their plans to improve the housing sector, and they have even decided to scrap winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, showing a lack of understanding for the struggles of the most vulnerable in our society.

So, how can Keir Starmer turn things around? The upcoming budget will be crucial. He needs to embrace the platform for change on which he was elected. The UK has become increasingly unequal in recent years, with living standards declining for all but the wealthiest. It's time for Labour to ask the wealthiest to contribute more towards public services, such as raising capital gains tax to the same level as income tax. It's unfair that those who can afford to make money from investments pay less tax than hard-working individuals.

Furthermore, Labour needs to have a vision for a green economic future. A fair and green transition will not only help us reach net zero emissions, but it will also strengthen the economy, attract investment, and bring down energy bills. It's clear that Keir Starmer's falling poll ratings should serve as a wake-up call for him to change course and start offering people hope, rather than doubling down on the politics of doom and despair. The people of the UK voted for change and an improvement on the Tories, and it's time for Labour to deliver on that promise in a meaningful way.

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