Labour has moved ahead of Reform UK in a voting intention poll for the first time since March 2025, buoyed by Andy Burnham’s first week as prime minister. The weekly tracker by More in Common shows Labour up four points to 28%, while Reform fell two points to 24%. The Greens dropped three points to 8%, with the Conservatives unchanged at 22% and the Liberal Democrats up one to 12%.
Burnham’s early focus on the cost of living has resonated with voters, according to Luke Tryl, UK director at More in Common. The prime minister announced a tax cut on energy bills, a cap on bus fares, and a reduction in business rates for pubs and clubs, policies that have broadly landed well despite some criticism. Burnham said he would not get “carried away” but was pleased to have “connected with people”.
Nigel Farage, meanwhile, has faced weeks of negative headlines over undeclared gifts and donations, including a £5m payment from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne before the 2024 election. The parliamentary standards watchdog is investigating whether the sum should have been declared. Additionally, George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster and longtime Farage aide, provided funding for Farage’s operation.
Focus groups in Clacton, where Farage is standing in a byelection triggered by his own resignation, have revealed growing anger. Voters accused him of using them as “pawns in his little game” to rebuild his reputation, criticising his wealth and failure to hold regular surgeries. The absence of other major party candidates has left residents feeling abandoned.
The Metropolitan police are investigating payments to Reform via a company controlled by its deputy leader, Richard Tice, including two donations of £250,000 from Britain Means Business before the 2024 election. Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing.
