A top pollster has warned Australia’s Labor Party it could face an election wipeout “like Keir Starmer did” unless it rapidly changes course.
YouGov’s director of public data and affairs, Paul Smith, urged Australian PM Anthony Albanese to start delivering on his promises or face annihilation at the ballot box.
He told News.com.au: “Labor’s opportunity is to say that we will make a difference to working people being able to get a house.
“If they can do that, then they will actually strengthen their position greatly. It is the driving issue for anyone under 50, all our research shows that.”
The leading pollster’s intervention comes just days after Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party made history by winning its first-ever lower-house seat in New South Wales.
The by-election in Farrer was triggered by the resignation of Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley.
The populist party’s candidate, David Farley, scooped up 57 per cent of the vote – securing victory over independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe on 43 per cent.
However, Mr Smith warned Labor figures not to celebrate their rivals’ defeat, noting that Ms Hanson’s party poses an equal threat to their voter base.
Anthony Albanese’s Labor faces an election wipeout like Keir Starmer’s Labour, a top pollster warned
|
GETTY
He said: “One Nation’s policies about the public ownership of part of our gas and energy reserves (are) something which would be very attractive to working people in Western Sydney.”
The pollster pointed to a similar approach taken by Reform leader Nigel Farage, saying: “He said a year ago he’d nationalise British Steel, only for Keir Starmer to come out today and say he’ll do the same.”
He added: “Reform got there first in the UK, and if One Nation gets there first about sharing our energy and resources to all Australians, then they have an opportunity to break through to the cities.
“But it will take a big policy change to break out of being a rural and regional party.”
AUSTRALIA – READ THE LATEST:
‘The key to Reform’s rise in the UK is the key to One Nation’s success here,’ YouGov’s public affairs chief said
|
GETTY
Mr Smith also warned the growing frustration among working-class Aussies – similar to Britain – could spark political turmoil for Labor.
He said many have felt like they have been sliding “backwards” economically for years and that many will have an appetite for change.
The pollster added: “The key to Reform’s rise in the UK is the key to One Nation’s success here.
Pauline Hanson has been urged to emulate Reform UK’s appeals to voters on state ownership
|
GETTY“It’s about addressing economic insecurity for working people.”
However, Mr Smith warned that Ms Hanson’s path to power remains much tougher than that of Nigel Farage due to Australia’s electoral system.
He explained: “We could see Reform winning an election with 26 per cent of the vote in the UK because it’s possible in first-past-the-post, but it’s not possible for One Nation to win an election with 26 per cent of the vote, without preferences that get them to 50 per cent.”