Rishi Sunak's Tax Cuts and Benefits Boost Lead to Poll Boost

Public Responds Positively to Autumn Statement

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has received a surprise poll bump as the public welcomes the tax cuts and benefits boost announced in the Autumn Statement. According to a recent YouGov survey, Tory support has jumped by four points in just one week, reaching 25%. This is the highest rating the party has seen since September and only three points below the Prime Minister's best-ever score in April. However, the government still has a long way to catch up to Sir Keir Starmer, as Labour is currently 19 points ahead in the polls.

Popular Measures Include National Insurance Cut and Minimum Wage Hike

Jeremy Hunt's move to slash National Insurance by 2p has been backed by 61% of the country, with 72% of Conservative voters from the last election also in support. An overwhelming 85% of Brits have expressed their support for increasing the minimum wage to £11.44 per hour. Additionally, 64% of voters back the idea of increasing benefits in line with September's inflation rate of 6.7%, while 78% support a hike in pensions by 8.5% to match wages. Mr. Hunt's crackdown on the work shy, which includes cutting their benefits after 2.5 years if they don't actively look for work, has been positively received by 60% of the public.

Tory Strategists Aim to Narrow the Gap Ahead of Potential Early General Election

With a potential general election taking place as early as May next year, Tory strategists are desperate to narrow the gap between their party and Labour. The recent poll boost following the Autumn Statement is seen as a step in the right direction, but analysts urge caution in interpreting the results. Anthony Wells, head of European political and social research at YouGov, points out that overall support for the Tories remains thin, and it is important to wait and see if the increase in support lasts beyond the immediate headlines.

Source: The Guardian