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Fresh polling data suggests a significant generational divide in UK politics, with former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn enjoying remarkably higher popularity among young voters compared to current Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This revelation comes just days after Corbyn launched a new political party, a move that could profoundly impact the next general election, particularly given the government's recent decision to lower the voting age to 16.
YouGov polling, conducted between July 24 and 25, 2025, for The Times, indicates a striking surge in support for Corbyn among 18-24 year-olds. Within this demographic, Corbyn boasts an approval rating of plus 18, a stark contrast to Sir Keir Starmer's minus 30 among the same group. This disparity is particularly noteworthy as it suggests Labour's move to enfranchise 16 and 17-year-olds, expanding the electorate by 1.6 million people, could unexpectedly benefit Corbyn's new venture rather than shoring up Labour's own support.
The poll's findings emerge as Sir Keir Starmer grapples with his lowest ever approval ratings across all age groups. His overall approval stands at minus 40, almost identical to Corbyn's minus 39. This broader discontent with Starmer's government has been exacerbated by recent controversies, including a £5 billion welfare U-turn that saw his approval plummet to minus 43. A recent Sunday Times report further highlighted public frustration, with seven in ten voters believing Starmer's government is at least as chaotic as the previous Conservative administration, and one in three deeming it even more so.
Capitalising on this widespread disillusionment, Jeremy Corbyn, alongside former left-wing Labour MP Zarah Sultana, officially unveiled their as-yet-unnamed political party on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Corbyn claimed that over 200,000 people have already signed up to the new movement, which he has promised will offer a "new kind of political party."
However, the nascent movement has drawn sharp criticism from within the Labour establishment. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle dismissed Corbyn, stating, "He's not a serious politician. He doesn't think about governing, he thinks about posturing." Speaking on Times Radio, Kyle reflected on the "chaos and instability" of Corbyn's previous leadership and highlighted that even some expected allies, such as George Galloway, have indicated they will not join the new party. A Labour source, when asked about Corbyn's latest move, succinctly retorted: "The electorate has twice given its verdict on a Jeremy Corbyn led party."
The YouGov poll, which surveyed 2,013 adults, underscores a growing concern among voters regarding the direction of Sir Keir Starmer's government, both from the left and the right. With a new political force emerging and a significant expansion of the youth vote, the political landscape ahead of the next general election appears increasingly fragmented and unpredictable. The question remains whether Corbyn's appeal to younger voters can translate into significant electoral gains, or if his new party will primarily serve to further complicate Labour's path to a stable majority.
