Andy Burnham’s early days in Downing Street signal a shift in polls
Andy Burnham has barely had a week in Downing Street, and already the polls are moving, reports BritPanorama.
A Survation poll published on Tuesday shows Labour leading with 26 per cent, up one percentage point, while Nigel Farage’s party trails with 24 per cent, down two percentage points. This reflects a similar trend in polls from More in Common and YouGov, marking the first time in over a year that Labour has taken the lead.
The timing of this shift appears deliberate. Since becoming prime minister on 20 July, Mr Burnham has introduced significant new policies nearly every day, including a VAT cut on energy bills, the reinstatement of the £2 bus fare cap, an allocation of £340 million to address rough sleeping, a 20 per cent business rates cut for pubs and music venues, and the establishment of a Manchester-based “No 10 in the North” operation.
This week, he has gone even further, announcing a reform of technical education, emphasizing the importance of vocational skills by stating that “Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.” Additionally, he has signalled intentions for tougher, “conditional” welfare reform, insisting that the UK must get “really serious as a country at getting the welfare bill down.”
Polling expert Lord Hayward noted that this change has “changed the discourse of British politics,” suggesting that there is now uncertainty over whether Reform can still be seen as the natural party of the right. He remarked, “There is no doubt there is a Burnham bounce and it has happened quicker than most of us expected.”
However, Reform is not in full retreat yet. A party spokesman conveyed their calm response to the polling changes, stating, “We expected Labour to go above us, we are calm about it. Let’s see where everyone is by December.” The spokesman highlighted that Keir Starmer had also experienced a surge in polls before things turned unfavourable.
In his cautious approach, Burnham addressed crowds in Portsmouth, stating, “I wouldn’t get carried away by any poll. I’m pleased to have made a start where hopefully I’ve connected with people.” He underscored that he is focused on fostering a sense of optimism, saying, “I am talking a lot about Britain believing again and getting its hope back, and I’m not going to apologise for that. I think we should have a bit more of a spring in our step.”
Whether this represents a genuine turnaround for Labour or is merely a temporary surge remains to be seen as the implications of these new policies come into play.
