Reform UK continues to lag behind Labour and Conservatives
Reform UK continues to lag behind Labour and the Conservatives, reports BritPanorama.
The latest YouGov poll indicates that for the second consecutive week, Reform has placed third, trailing behind Labour by three points and the Conservatives by one point. The poll, conducted between 18 and 19 October, reveals Labour holding 27 percent, while Reform sits at 22 percent and the Conservatives at 21 percent.
This downturn for Reform, previously the most popular party from March 2025 to August, coincides with a surge in Labour’s popularity following the election of Andy Burnham as party leader and prime minister. Burnham’s leadership appears pivotal in reshaping the party’s public image, contrasting sharply with the record lows witnessed just months ago.
Recent polls show a reversal of fortunes since May, when Labour’s support dipped to 20 percent during local elections, while Reform enjoyed a significant lead at 27 percent. Now, Labour’s recovery has begun to resonate, while Reform faces internal challenges, including allegations of racism among party members and the emergence of Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party, which threatens to siphon off right-wing support.
Furthermore, the YouGov survey suggests Burnham may be successfully courting previous Labour voters, with support rising to 64 percent among them, a notable increase from 49 percent after the departure of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This trend is reflected in younger voters as well, where support among those aged 18 to 24 has jumped from 14 percent to 32 percent under Burnham’s leadership, compared to just 7 percent for Reform.
The recent Holborn and St Pancras by-election further underscores Labour’s growing traction, where they scored a decisive victory against opposition from the Green Party, which came up over 3,000 votes short. Simultaneously, the Greens’ national approval rating has dipped to 10 percent, making them the least popular among the top five parties, just behind the Liberal Democrats with 11 percent.
Calls for an early general election have emerged in light of Labour’s significant recovery, as they enjoy their highest support levels since early 2025. Despite Burnham’s reluctance to pursue an early vote, both Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey are reportedly preparing for the possibility. The evolving political landscape underscores the fluidity of public opinion and party dynamics as the country approaches pivotal electoral decisions.
As political movements unfold, observing the shifting tides of voter sentiment remains essential for understanding potential developments. The next few months will likely be crucial for all parties involved.
