Labour landslide will be much harder to achieve than in 1997, analysis shows

Starmer's shadow cabinet less popular before election than Blair's and Britons have lost confidence in politicians and their prospects

British voters will go into the election this year poorer, more pessimistic and less approving of politicians than they did in 1997, according to data showing how difficult it will be for Keir Starmer to replicate Tony Blair's landslide victory.

An analysis of economic and polling data by the political consultancy Public First shows the country has lower wage growth, higher levels of debt and less affordable housing than it did when Labour last ousted the Conservatives from power. All five of Labour's most senior shadow ministers are less popular than their 1997 counterparts, as are most of the top ministers in cabinet.