Support for Boris Johnson soars as voters say UK is heading in right direction despite coronavirus crisis
Support for Boris Johnson is on the increase.
2 min read
Support for Boris Johnson has increased dramatically among UK voters as his government continues to battle the cornavirus outbreak.
According to a new Ipsos MORI poll, the Prime Minister's favourability rating has soared by 17 points since the beginning of March to 51%.
At the same time, the proportion of voters with an unfavourable opinion of the Tory leader has fallen by 16 points to 31%.
Meanwhile, 40% believe the country is moving in the right direction, compared to 35% who do not.
The Conservatives have also been boosted in the last month, with 39% of Brits having a favourable opinion of them - up seven points since the last poll.
A total of 38% view the party unfavourably, down eight points over the same period.
The survey of 1,069 adults took place while Mr Johnson was recovering from coronavirus in hospital, and came against a backdrop of criticism of the way the Government has dealt with the crisis.
Elsewhere, the public also suggest that new Labour leader Keir Starmer has boosted the party's standing in the eyes of the public.
The proportion of voters with a favourable view of the party has gone up by four points to 30% in the past month, with the number with an unfavourable one falling 12 points to 40%.
Sir Keir himself also starts off his time in charge with an overall favourability rating of +5%.
Kelly Beaver, Ipsos MORI's managing director of public affairs, said: "Our findings show that during these uncertain times, public opinion continues to move in a more favourable direction for Boris Johnson as he leads the country through the coronavirus crisis and Brits rally round the Government, an effect we’re seeing in a number of countries.
"There is a glimmer of hope for Keir Starmer as he takes over as Labour leader, with more people thinking he will make the Labour party better than worse.
"Only time will tell if that translates into popular support for the party rising."
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