Social Attitudes Survey Shows Record Decline in Trust for Politicians
A study conducted by the National Centre for Social Research has uncovered that the public’s confidence in politicians is currently at its lowest level since records began in 1973.
Levels of trust in politicians have hit an all-time low, with 45 percent of surveyed individuals stating that they would “almost never” trust any political party to prioritize the nation’s needs over their own interests.
This revelation coincides with the publication of general election manifestos by politicians from all major parties ahead of the July 4th election.
After the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, the Green Party released their manifestos on Wednesday, with Labour set to follow suit on Thursday.
According to Professor John Curtice, one of the report’s authors, the survey indicates that politicians “must address the concerns of a skeptical public regarding the trustworthiness and effectiveness of the nation’s governance system.”
He added, “The next government will face the challenge of not only revitalizing Britain’s struggling economy and public services but also tackling the doubts of a public that has never been more uncertain about the trustworthiness and efficacy of the government.”
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Professor Curtice remarked, “Addressing key policy challenges will help, but it will likely require more than that, particularly a governing style that convinces people the government genuinely prioritizes their interests.”
The study, based on interviews with 5,386 individuals conducted between September and October 2023 through nationwide addresses, also highlighted the following:
People in Financial Struggles Exhibit Less Trust in Politicians
The survey suggested that 72 percent of financially struggling individuals “almost never” trust politicians, in contrast to 49 percent of those living comfortably.
Since 1973, this social attitudes survey has been conducted annually, with additional questions added over time.
An intriguing finding from the survey was the dissatisfaction among those who voted to leave the EU in 2016.
Despite the delivery of Brexit by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2020, leave voters remain discontent with the post-Brexit scenario.
Among leave voters, 48 percent indicated they “almost never” trust governments, a rise from 40 percent in 2019, while 76 percent expressed that the nation’s governance system “requires significant improvement,” closely approaching the 81 percent recorded in 2019.
- 86 percent of dissatisfied individuals with the NHS believe that the nation’s governance system necessitates significant improvement, compared to 65 percent of those satisfied with the NHS.
- A record 53 percent support transitioning to an electoral system that is fairer to smaller parties.
- 49 percent endorse some form of devolution for England, marking a record level of support.
Various academic studies have indicated a continuous decline in trust in politicians over time, with factors like “sleaze” allegations in the 1990s, the 2009 MPs’ expenses scandal, and the Brexit stalemate from 2017 to 2019 contributing to this decline.
“While people may have trusted government decisions during the pandemic and followed social distancing guidelines, revelations of non-adherence to public health regulations within Downing Street may have eroded this trust,” they remarked.
PA Media contributed to this report.
