Will Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal revive his poll ratings?

‘Getting Brexit done’ has certainly not harmed the prime minister, says Sean O’Grady

Rishi Sunak announces the deal with Ursula von der Leyen on Monday (AP)

Rishi Sunak’s surprise deal with the EU has attracted much praise, even from the most Eurosceptic of quarters. His supporters claim that he has succeeded where two predecessors have failed and “got Brexit done” at last. What also matters is what voters will think.

How will Windsor Framework affect Sunak’s ratings?

It will almost certainly improve them, given the blanket coverage and widespread acclaim for Sunak’s efforts. Such a boost is badly needed. A succession of disappointing economic news, strikes, scandals, sleaze and the background rumble of manoeuvrings by Boris Johnson consorted to push Sunak’s approval rating to an all-time personal low in January when some 27 per cent told Ipsos that they had a favourable opinion of the prime minister, compared to 46 per cent who viewed him unfavourably. One month earlier, 30 per cent held a favourable view of Sunak and 39 per cent unfavourable. Broadly, Sunak’s ratings were about the same as Johnson’s in his last days in power, although still superior to the record-breaking nadirs of Liz Truss.