Labour party sees surge in popularity following Burnham’s speech
Labour’s popularity in the polls has soared to its highest level since the start of 2025 in the wake of Andy Burnham’s first party conference speech as prime minister, reports BritPanorama.
The Labour Party has taken a five-point lead in YouGov’s latest polling for Sky News and the Times, marking the highest level of popularity the party has seen in almost two years. This three-point boost in its ratings has come just days after Mr. Burnham’s well-received conference address, in which he pledged to create a national care service.
Meanwhile, Reform UK has faced another setback, trailing five points behind Labour at 22 percent amid ongoing controversies regarding its financial affairs. The Conservatives managed to gain one point as the party convenes in Birmingham for its annual conference, right before Kemi Badenoch’s keynote speech.
Mr. Burnham appears to have regained traction with left-leaning voters. Both the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are now polling at just 11 percent. The survey also indicates an increase in the number of Labour’s 2024 voters who would support the party again if elections were held immediately, rising from 42 percent in May to 61 percent.
This boost in popularity coincides with Mr. Burnham’s commitment to enhance collaboration with European partners and his acknowledgment of the adverse impact of Brexit on British industries.
Calls for an early election have emerged as Labour’s rise continues under Mr. Burnham. Success in such an election could grant him a five-year mandate to introduce significant changes as prime minister. While he intends to “knock dead” opposing ideas, both Mrs. Badenoch and Sir Ed Davey are reportedly preparing for potential electoral scenarios.
During his conference speech, Mr. Burnham remarked that Britain’s decision to leave the EU has done “more harm than good” and promised to present options for the country’s future around the time of an upcoming UK-EU summit.
Despite its 2024 election manifesto ruling out rejoining customs unions, entering the single market, or reinstating freedom of movement, Mr. Burnham has indicated a willingness to suggest going beyond these established “red lines” in future discussions.
Polling trends suggest a growing belief among voters that Brexit has not delivered the promised outcomes, with opinions leaning towards the possibility of a second referendum that could lead to a desire to rejoin the EU.
In terms of domestic policy, Mr. Burnham pledged to bring water, housing, and energy into public ownership, alongside plans for a free national social care service, funded by adjustments to the triple lock on pensions. This proposal may polarize public opinion.
Additionally, he indicated plans for councils to compel landlords and owners of vacant properties to sell, reflecting a more socialist agenda than typically associated with the Labour Party in past administrations.
