Research from YouGov indicates 34 percent of all members are dissatisfied with how the leader has performed, a year after he took on the top job. Nearly a quarter of Labour members believe Sir Keir is doing a worse job than Jeremy Corbyn.
The figures from the new survey indicate that less than half, 48 percent, believe the Opposition leader has changed the party for the better since taking on the mantle in April last year.
In total 49 percent believe he is yet to make a difference (27 percent) or has made things worse (22 percent).
While 64 percent of Labour members approved of his performance, the large number who disapprove of his leadership is a stark reminder of the uphill battle Sir Keir faces to unify the party.
The Holborn and St Pancras MP pledged to overcome the visions within Labour if he was elected leader.
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Upon winning the leadership contest on April 4 2020, he said: “To all of our members, supporters and affiliates I say this” whether you voted for me or not I will represent you, I will listen to you and I will bring our party together.”
He added: “The Labour Party is an incredible and powerful force for good. Together with those that went before us we’ve changed the lives of millions of people for the better.
“We created the NHS. We created the welfare state. We passed equalities legislation, the Race Relations Act, we set up the Open University.
“We built hospitals and schools, established Sure Start and played our part in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland.
“But we’ve just lost four elections in a row.
“We’re failing in our historic purpose.
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Despite his vow to repair the rift seeping through the party, views on Sir Keir’s leadership remain divided along factional lines.
Amongst those who voted for the incumbent at last year’s election, 81 percent believe he’s doing a good job compared to 17 percent who think he is doing badly.
However, amongst those who voted for Corbynite candidate Rebecca Long Bailey, just 17 percent believe Sir Keir is performing well while 82 percent say he has done a bad job.
Sir Keir has sought to distance himself from the leadership of Mr Corbyn, to the anger of some left-wing members in the party.
He apologised for accusations of anti-Semitism under the leadership of his predecessor, describing it as “a stain on our party” and even suspended Mr Corbyn for his response to a report by the equalities watchdog on racism within Labour.
He has also faced criticism for not being tougher on the Government during the pandemic.
Only 46 percent of those polled believe he is likely to become Prime Minister based on his performance over the past year.
YouGov surveyed a total of 1,073 British adults between March 17 and 24.
