Number of voters upbeat about the UK rises from 31% to 45% – but feelgood factor may be short-lived with key challenges on the horizon

Britain has experienced a surge in optimism since the general election, with more people now upbeat about the country’s future than pessimistic, in a sign that Keir Starmer is enjoying a honeymoon period after Labour’s landslide victory.

There has been a 14-point rise in those feeling upbeat since the election took place. Polling by the Public First consultancy found that only 31% of voters were optimistic about the country heading into the election, with 43% pessimistic. In the wake of the election, sentiment had flipped - with 45% optimistic about the country and 30% pessimistic.