A recent poll conducted by JL Partners has uncovered a significant shift in political allegiance among trade union members, with Reform UK now tied with Labour at 28% support. This marks a dramatic 20-point decline for Labour since the 2024 general election, while Reform UK has surged by 12 points among union members.
Union Leaders Sound the Alarm
General secretaries from two of Labour's strongest affiliates, GMB and Unite, have expressed grave concerns. Sharon Graham, Unite leader, described the figures as 'damning but not surprising.' Union leaders attribute Labour's decline to policies such as cuts to winter fuel allowances, welfare reforms, and green energy initiatives. A striking 62% of union members polled believe Labour has 'lost touch with working people.'
Nigel Farage Gains Favour
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage emerged as the most favourably viewed party leader among union members and their preferred candidate for prime minister. When asked which leader would do most for working people, Farage led, though Sir Keir Starmer gained a four-point lead when the choice was limited to Labour and Reform UK.
Gary Smith, a Starmer ally and GMB member, pushed back, stating that Reform are 'no friends of workers' and highlighting their intent to cancel union rights and target pensions. However, he acknowledged Labour must demonstrate its commitment to working-class people, citing recent support for the ceramics industry.
Farage responded to the poll, saying it reflected exactly what he had observed on the campaign trail. He declared, 'Labour is no longer the party of the patriotic working class. That mantle now belongs to Reform.'
Electoral Gains for Reform
The findings coincide with Reform UK's dramatic gains in May's local elections, where they secured over 1,400 council seats across England. Labour suffered historic defeats in safe seats, including Birmingham and in Wales. Reform became the second-largest party in Wales, winning 34 seats, while Welsh Labour plummeted to just nine seats.
Labour lost control of Tameside Council, which includes Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's constituency, shedding 16 councillors as Reform gained 18. In Wigan, represented by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Reform won 24 of 25 seats. Sunderland, home to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, saw Reform take overall control, gaining 46 seats as Labour collapsed.
Union Calls for Leadership Change
Following Labour's disastrous election results, some affiliated unions have called for a leadership election. Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), warned that unions 'will not stand by' while the Prime Minister paves the way for a hard-right government led by Nigel Farage. She urged a leadership election to select a candidate more responsive to working people.
Sharon Graham of Unite echoed this sentiment, stating, 'The writing is on the wall for this Labour government and it could be the beginning of the end for the party itself. Only fundamental, irreversible change will stem the tide. It is change or die. Now or never.'
