Reform UK regains lead over Labour in new poll
Reform UK has regained its lead over Labour in a fresh poll that raises questions over the longevity of the so-called ‘Burnham bounce’, reports BritPanorama.
A YouGov poll indicates Reform UK holds a 23 per cent share of the vote, narrowly surpassing Labour’s 22 per cent. This comes after the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham had appeared to shift momentum towards Labour, with two earlier surveys placing the party on top and three showing it tied with Reform.
In the wake of Andy Burnham assuming office, a similar YouGov survey had also shown Labour and Reform tied at 22 per cent. Burnham’s leadership has been met with mixed reactions, especially against the backdrop of Nigel Farage’s difficulties following a £5 million donation from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne, a situation now under parliamentary investigation.
Additionally, Labour’s Bev Craig recently won the Greater Manchester mayoralty election, defeating Reform handily. Dr Patrick English, YouGov’s head of elections and political data, suggested that voters are still evaluating the new Labour administration’s effectiveness.
While English notes a positive shift in public sentiment with Burnham’s leadership—indicating he is the most positively rated party leader they’ve measured—he cautions that Burnham isn’t overwhelmingly popular. He explained that the British public remains skeptical about the government’s handling of pressing issues such as the cost of living and immigration, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements in daily life before any significant increase in Labour support is expected.
Prior to Burnham’s ascension, Reform had led in over 300 consecutive polls since April 2025. However, a Survation poll last week placed Labour ahead with a 26 per cent share compared to 24 per cent for Reform, signalling potential fluctuations in voter support.
Further complicating matters for Farage, he is in the midst of a campaign to reclaim his parliamentary seat in the upcoming Clacton by-election, a move prompted by controversy over the aforementioned donation from Harborne and scrutiny regarding his ties to convicted money launderer George Cottrell.
The shifting dynamics within UK politics highlight the ongoing volatility and the electorate’s readiness for change in a period of uncertainty.
