Prime Minister’s favourability surges post-election win

Sir Keir Starmer appears to be experiencing a positive wave of public sentiment following his election as Prime Minister, according to a poll by Ipsos conducted a week after the general election. The survey revealed that 40% of respondents hold a favourable view of Sir Keir, a six-point increase compared to the final week of the campaign. Meanwhile, unfavourable views dropped from 41% to 33%, marking his first net positive approval rating with Ipsos since October 2022 during Liz Truss’s brief tenure.

Ipsos director of politics, Keiran Pedley, commented, “These findings indicate a honeymoon period for Keir Starmer, with more Britons now viewing him favourably and expressing optimism about his Government’s potential for positive change.” However, Pedley also highlighted that Labour voters have high expectations, particularly for public service funding and NHS improvements.

The poll found that 80% of Labour supporters anticipate enhancements to the NHS within the next year, while three-quarters expect increased public spending. Among the general public, 57% foresee NHS improvements, and 55% predict a rise in public service funding.

Pedley added, “For the new Government, there is no time to waste in addressing the public’s key priorities.” Sir Keir’s favourability also positions him as the most popular major politician in the survey, ahead of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Hannah Blythyn disputes lack of evidence for dismissal following alleged media leak

A former Welsh government minister, Hannah Blythyn, has formally expressed concerns regarding her dismissal by First Minister Vaughan Gething, who cited her alleged leaking of messages to the media during the Covid-19 pandemic as grounds for removal. Blythyn, who served as minister for social partnership, stated she was presented with no evidence of the accusations before her sacking, leading her to publicly defend her integrity.

The dismissal in May followed the publication of leaked messages from a Covid-related ministerial group chat, and Blythyn maintains her innocence. In an emotional statement to the Senedd, she claimed the process had severely impacted her mental health and questioned the fairness of her removal.

The controversy has intensified scrutiny on First Minister Gething, who has faced criticism from both opposition parties and within his own ranks. His decision to remove Blythyn contributed to the breakdown of a co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru, culminating in a non-binding vote of no confidence against him in the Senedd.

Blythyn voiced her dissatisfaction with the manner of her dismissal, arguing: “I was not shown any alleged evidence before being sacked, nor was I informed of any investigation or potential breach of the ministerial code.” She emphasised the necessity for a transparent process to safeguard the integrity of the Civil Service and the First Minister’s office, adding that the ordeal had caused her significant personal distress.

While Gething’s office declined to comment publicly, Andrew RT Davies of the Welsh Conservatives stated that Blythyn’s remarks raised serious questions about the First Minister’s handling of the situation. Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru leader, also pressed for a clear response and the presentation of evidence, citing concerns over governance practices.

The controversy traces back to a message from Gething in a 2020 ministerial group chat, allegedly concerning internal Labour discussions. Gething has maintained that he did not delete relevant messages but instead acted in accordance with security measures led by the Welsh Parliament’s IT team. He denies any link between the leaked message and pandemic-related decision-making.

Blythyn’s insistence on her innocence and the lack of evidence continues to provoke debate and calls for transparency in the Welsh government’s handling of internal matters.

New Northern Ireland Secretary Urges Focus on Self-Generated Revenue and Effective Budget Use in First Visit

Northern Ireland’s new Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has indicated that the Stormont Executive may need to find new ways to generate its own income to alleviate significant budget pressures. During his initial visit to Northern Ireland in his new role, Mr Benn highlighted Stormont’s historically limited approach to revenue generation and stressed the need for public sector reforms to optimise current spending.

Speaking after his meetings with political leaders at Hillsborough Castle, Mr Benn observed that public funding in Northern Ireland stands higher than in England, with approximately £124 allocated per person for every £100 spent in England. He urged the Executive to ensure that this allocation is being used as efficiently as possible, describing it as a priority for improving public services.

On Sunday, Mr Benn visited St George’s Market in Belfast, engaging with local traders and residents. He noted that Northern Ireland has some of the UK’s longest waiting lists for public services despite higher per capita funding. “The Executive bears the responsibility for reforming public services,” he said, underlining his department’s willingness to provide support and expertise in making these necessary improvements.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, raised the issue of “fair funding” for essential public services in her discussion with Mr Benn, calling for an end to the cuts imposed under Conservative governance. Mr Benn acknowledged the urgent need for changes, saying, “All institutions must examine both income and expenditures to make the best use of available funds.”

In reflecting on his recent appointment, Mr Benn called it a “great privilege” and expressed a strong desire to rebuild collaborative relationships with Northern Ireland’s political parties. He described himself as a longstanding advocate for restoring the devolved government, asserting that an operational Executive is crucial to serve the interests of Northern Ireland’s people.