Assessment of Leaders’ Performance
The majority of the Sky News YouGov voters panel believed Sir Keir Starmer outshined Rishi Sunak at the Grimsby leaders’ event. However, a significant portion of the panel, consisting of undecided voters, were not impressed with either leader.
Impact on Voting Intentions
When asked whether the leaders’ performances influenced their voting intentions, opinions among the panel were divided. One voter found Sir Keir Starmer to possess “energy” and to be “more relatable,” drawing comparisons to former Conservative Prime Minister John Major: “boring, but likely the right choice for the current situation.” On the other hand, perceptions of Rishi Sunak varied, with one panelist describing him as “defeated” and another noting his ability to address questions.
Key Moments and Standout Issues
Immigration emerged as a recurrent theme during the discussion. A voter highlighted Rishi Sunak’s firm stance on immigration and Brexit, contrasting it with the actual increase in immigration levels. Additionally, scrutiny of Sir Keir’s previous support for Jeremy Corbyn was raised, with one panelist criticizing his endorsement despite anticipating the previous election loss.
Perceptions of Leaders
When asked to provide three words associated with each leader, perceptions varied. Rishi Sunak was described as ‘calm’ and ‘direct,’ alongside less flattering terms such as ‘apologetic,’ ‘untrustworthy,’ and ‘defensive.’ For Sir Keir, descriptors included ‘confident’ and ‘honest,’ as well as ‘evasive’ and ‘boring.’
Implications for the Election
Will the Sky News leaders’ event impact the voting decisions of the panel on 4th July? Some respondents indicated a shift in their views. One individual noted a change in their perspective towards Keir Starmer and the Labour Party’s policies, while another expressed a leaning towards the Tories, influenced by Rishi Sunak’s comment on voting patterns affecting leadership outcomes. Despite these reflections, many respondents remain undecided, expressing weariness with the ongoing election process.
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