Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Labour lead plummets as candidates suspended
The Labour Campaign Centre in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, February 13, 2024

LABOUR’S leaders were floundering today amid plummeting polling figures and an anti-semitism heresy hunt spiralling out of control.

Worse news was piled upon bad as the party struggled to stabilise itself following the decision to disown its candidate in the Rochdale by-election, Azhar Ali.

A Savanta opinion poll had the Labour lead over the Tories down by seven points, to its lowest level for eight months. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting a group of people whose lives have been improved as a result of decisions made by the government, in Downing Street, London, before they attend his final Prime Minister's Questions, July 15, 2026
Editorial / 16 July 2026
16 July 2026
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend his final scheduled Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament, July 15, 2026
Parliament / 15 July 2026
15 July 2026

Meanwhile, incoming PM Andy Burnham dithers over who should be his Chancellor

Thaer Abu Daraz carries the body of his infant daughter, Sewar, who was killed along with her mother in an Israeli airstrike that struck a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Gaza Genocide / 30 June 2026
30 June 2026

The electoral cost of Labour’s stance on Gaza is impossible to ignore – the new leadership must take heed, argues PETER LEARY

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street, London, for a Cabinet meeting, September 2, 2025
Deputy Leadership Race / 12 September 2025
12 September 2025