28 May 2020

Public approval of government’s response to pandemic slumps

Boris Johnson and the government's ratings have both slipped into negative figures, new polling for the New Statesman has found.

By Patrick Maguire

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 20: Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for PMQs on May 20, 2020 in London, England. The prime minister announced the general contours of a phased exit from the current lockdown, adopted nearly two months ago in an effort curb the spread of Covid-19. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Public confidence in Boris Johnson’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has slumped in the past month, polling for the New Statesman has found.

Polling by Redfield and Wilton Strategies found that net approval of the government’s response to the virus had fallen to a net figure of minus 17 per cent, compared to 10 per cent net approval in the last New Statesman survey on 30 April.

Content from our partners

Wayne Robertson: "The science is clear on the need for carbon capture"

Public approval of government’s response to pandemic slumps

Content from our partners

Wayne Robertson: “The science is clear on the need for carbon capture”

An old Rioja, a simple Claret,and a Burgundy far too nice to put in risotto

Antimicrobial Resistance: Why urgent action is needed

The English rebel

The shame of Britain’s hidden homeless

The UK’s water watchdogs are not fit for purpose