Labour leads Reform in new poll ahead of Clacton by-election
Labour has taken the lead over Reform in a fresh national poll just days before Nigel Farage faces the judgement of voters in a crucial by-election in Clacton, reports BritPanorama.
The latest survey puts Andy Burnham’s party on 28 per cent, three points ahead of Reform on 25 per cent, marking Labour’s best position in an Ipsos poll for over a year.
This latest result represents the fourth national poll that Labour has topped since Mr Burnham assumed office, marking the end of a year-long period where Mr Farage’s party consistently led in the polls.
The findings are likely to bolster Labour’s position, as Ipsos suggests the party is “benefiting from changing their leader,” while posing challenges for Reform as they navigate the final days of their campaign in Clacton.
Earlier this summer, the Reform leader dramatically quit as an MP and could find himself without a parliamentary seat unless he secures victory on Thursday. While expectations are high that he will win, with his closest opponent being the comedian Count Binface due to other major parties opting out, local voters have expressed feeling disrespected.
Moreover, the Ipsos poll indicates Mr Burnham has a clear lead when asked who would be the preferred Prime Minister. Some 36 per cent chose him, more than double the 15 per cent for Mr Farage and the 13 per cent for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
As the by-election approaches, Mr Farage is under significant pressure to reclaim his Clacton seat, having resigned as an MP amid allegations of failing to declare a £5m donation from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne and other gifts from associates.
Farage has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he has been unfairly targeted in light of these claims.
Gideon Skinner, a senior director at Ipsos, commented that the new Prime Minister appears “clearly much more personally liked than his predecessor”. However, he cautioned that this approval stems partly from the public’s initial benefit of the doubt and a wait-and-see approach regarding the new administration’s effectiveness.
Though Labour’s voting intentions have seen a boost, significant underlying issues persist, with many citizens expressing dissatisfaction with the nation’s overall direction. As such, while Andy Burnham’s personal popularity is evident, tangible improvements in daily life will be essential for sustainable support.
The Ipsos poll, conducted between July 30 and August 4, sampled 1,033 adults and reported Labour at 28% (+4 from June), Reform at 25% (-1), Conservatives at 18% (no change), Greens at 12% (-1), and Lib Dems at 9% (-2).
The dynamics within the UK’s political landscape are clearly evolving, with the forthcoming by-election in Clacton serving as a litmus test for the parties’ current standings.
