Public First

Andy Burnham faces regional trust disparities in the UK, with Southern England showing negative net trust (-3%) compared to Northern England's positive net trust (+22%). A POLITICO poll by Public First highlights this divide as he is expected to become prime minister soon.

Right-wing populist parties in major Western democracies are increasingly associated with national pride compared to centrist or left-leaning parties, according to a POLITICO Poll. The poll shows majorities in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and Spain express pride in their country, but respondents more frequently link patriotism to right-wing groups like Reform U.K., Rassemblement National, AfD, Vox, and Republicans than to their political rivals.

A POLITICO Poll reveals right-wing populist parties in Western democracies are increasingly associated with national pride compared to centrist or left-leaning parties. Examples include Reform UK, Rassemblement National, AfD, and Vox, while U.S. respondents more often link American pride to Republicans. Despite this, majorities across countries report being proud of their nation regardless of political affiliation.

A majority of Americans feel politics is invading everyday spaces where it does not belong, but remain influenced by celebrities and athletes expressing partisan views aligned with their own. Trump and Harris voters both report political overreach in areas like sports and culture, though Trump voters show greater concern.

A majority of UK adults (51%) believe Andy Burnham should call an election to gain legitimacy if he becomes prime minister after replacing Keir Starmer. The Public First poll shows 34% support for Burnham leading without an election, highlighting public demand for democratic validation despite his recent entry into parliament.

A POLITICO Poll shows UK voters want Prime Minister Keir Starmer gone but are divided on immediately elevating Andy Burnham as his replacement. While Burnham is the clear front-runner to lead Labour after Starmer's resignation, 54% of adults prefer a leadership contest over an immediate coronation, with only 20% supporting Burnham becoming Labour leader immediately after winning the Makerfield by-election.

Andy Burnham is the only Labour leadership contender with a plausible chance of slowing Reform UK's rise, but even with him, Labour would still fall short of a parliamentary majority. Polling indicates Labour's prospects under current leader Keir Starmer are dire, with Reform UK projected to be the largest party.

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, is running for a special parliamentary election in Makerfield, a historically difficult constituency for Labour. The region has shifted towards Reform UK, challenging Labour's hold, but a win could position Burnham to challenge Keir Starmer for leadership.

A survey by Public First found that 11 countries, including Canada, Britain, and France, acknowledge China's leadership in artificial intelligence, but China lags in trust regarding its AI models. The poll covered over 18,000 people across 15 nations.

UK and US voters share political cynicism but differ in expressing it due to their distinct party systems. British voters in a multi-party system are more likely to switch parties than Americans in a two-party system, with 50% of UK Labour voters planning to change allegiance compared to 75% of US Trump voters and 86% of Kamala Harris voters remaining loyal. A UK by-election in Makerfield is seen as a test of anti-incumbent sentiment ahead of US midterms.

A focus group in Makerfield, England, revealed voters in a key UK special election are deeply dissatisfied with political leaders, citing high costs of living, inequality, and disillusionment with Labour and Conservative policies. Participants expressed anger toward Labour leader Keir Starmer and questioned Labour's commitment to working-class interests, while considering Reform UK as an alternative.

Voter cynicism toward political leaders is driving global anti-incumbent trends, with 2024 election rejections of ruling parties continuing into 2025. Polls show majorities in the UK and US view politicians as self-serving, while recent electoral defeats in Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands reflect similar frustrations. Upcoming votes in the UK and US midterms could further destabilize current leaders.

A poll shows Americans remain unconvinced by President Donald Trump's economic message, with many citing the Iran war as worsening their financial situation. Over half of respondents still describe the cost of living as the worst they can remember, and a majority blame Trump for economic issues, with the war driving up gas, food, and flight prices.

A recent poll shows that 72% of Americans believe there is too much money in politics, with both Republicans and Democrats agreeing on the issue. The poll also found that many Americans think special interest spending is a type of corruption and that voters have too little power. Midterm spending is projected to reach $10.8 billion, shattering previous records.

The SAVE America Act, a central GOP priority, has met voter skepticism, with many Americans supporting some core provisions but being uncertain about the overall bill. A recent poll shows that while 42% of voters who supported Kamala Harris in 2024 back requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, only 37% of Americans support the SAVE America Act overall. The bill has stalled in the Senate amid GOP divisions and Democratic opposition.

Political groups tied to AI and cryptocurrency are heavily funding midterm races, but a POLITICO Poll shows widespread public skepticism toward these industries. Americans distrust crypto platforms, favor strict AI regulations, and express concerns about special interest influence, creating potential political risks for candidates aligned with these groups.