Government's approval rating drops for fifth consecutive week amid coronavirus crisis, new poll finds
Boris Johnson's own approval ratings have taken a significant hit in recent weeks (PA)
1 min read
The Government's approval has seen a sustained fall over five consecutive weeks as it battles to control the coronavirus pandemic, according to new polling.
The new study from YouGov found just 32% of the public now approve of the Government's performance, down 3% on last week.
It is the fifth consecutive drop for Boris Johnson's Government with net approval shifting by around seven points a week from a high of 49% in May.
Meanwhile, support for Mr Johnson's leadership has plummeted over the same period, with 50% of the public saying he is doing his job badly (up 15%), while just 43% believe he is handling the role well.
That is contrasted with a significant boost for Labour leader Keir Starmer, with 40% of the public saying he looks like a Prime Minister in waiting, up from 32% last month.
But Sir Keir's personal approval is higher than the Labour Party as a whole, with a slim majority (51%) saying they are not ready for Government.
And while the party's image is improving overall, the polling firm said the Conservatives still led to crucial metrics such as being "competent", "strong", "moderate" and having a "clear sense of purpose".
The findings come as Britian dropped to the bottom of YouGov's international league table for public perception of how governments across the world are handling the crisis.
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