Prime Minister Andy Burnham's approval rating has risen to +12 in August, a significant shift from -40 under Keir Starmer in July, according to the latest City AM / Freshwater Strategy Poll. Burnham is also preferred as Prime Minister over Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch.
Labour is now considered best equipped to manage 11 of 15 tracked issues and is level with Reform on crime. The party has also taken the lead on inflation and the cost of living, which is the electorate's top priority.
Despite the increase in the Prime Minister's personal approval, Labour's overall vote share has only moved moderately. Labour is currently at 23%, a three-point increase, placing them level with the Conservatives, who are up two points. Reform continues to lead with 26% of the vote, down three points.
Over two-thirds of Britons, 67%, lack confidence in the government's economic growth plan, and 66% believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, though this figure is down seven points from last month.
The Budget, scheduled for the end of October, is anticipated to be a key test for the government's priorities. The Prime Minister is thought to be facing a fiscal hole of at least £22bn, which could necessitate a combination of spending adjustments and tax increases.