The Labour Party has hit its highest level of support with YouGov since January 2025 as Reform continues to collapse in the polls.
YouGov’s latest data, commissioned by the Times and Sky News, recorded a three-point jump for Labour, taking them to 27%. Combined with a three point drop for Reform, Labour now have a five point lead over Nigel Farage’s motley crew who sit on 22%.
By opening up a lead beyond the three-point margin of error accepted by most pollsters, YouGov said Labour had achieved the “first statistically significant lead for any party in our tracker in three months.”
The Conservatives are on 20% after a one-point increase, whilst the Lib Dems and Greens are both on 11%.
The YouGov data is the second poll to find a jump in support for Labour following Andy Burnham’s conference speech last week, in which he made bold promises about pensions and future relationships with the EU.
The Times’ political editor Steven Swinford said the latest polling “suggests that Burnham is successfully squeezing voters on the left, with support for both Lib Dems and Greens down compared to before he took power.”
For Reform, the polls don’t get any more encouraging. For months now they have seen their support fall across the board, and they now sit behind Labour with every single major UK pollster, and are clearly behind Labour on ‘poll of polls’ aggregators.
Labour Hits Highest Level of Support Since January 2025 – And the Reform Collapse Continues
Labour has received a major boost after reaching its highest level of public support since January 2025, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK continues to face growing questions about its declining popularity.
The latest opinion polling suggests that Britain’s political landscape could be changing significantly, with Labour beginning to recover support after a difficult period and Reform struggling to maintain the momentum that previously made it the dominant force in several national surveys.
For months, Farage appeared to have a clear advantage over the governing party. Reform attracted voters frustrated with immigration, the economy, taxation and the performance of traditional politicians.
However, the latest figures suggest that the party’s political honeymoon may be coming to an end.
Labour’s improving position will provide welcome encouragement for its leadership, particularly as the party attempts to convince voters that it can deliver meaningful improvements to living standards and public services.
For Farage, meanwhile, the latest polling represents another warning that Reform’s popularity cannot be taken for granted.
Labour Reaches Its Highest Polling Position Since January 2025
The latest opinion poll has delivered encouraging news for Labour, with the party recording its strongest level of support since January 2025.
The improvement represents an important development for a government that has faced considerable political pressure over the past year.
Labour’s popularity previously suffered following criticism of its economic policies, concerns about public services and growing dissatisfaction among voters who expected faster improvements after the general election.
Reform successfully capitalised on that frustration, attracting support from former Conservative voters and people who had become disillusioned with Labour.
However, the latest figures suggest that some of those political advantages are beginning to disappear.
Labour’s recovery indicates that voters may be reconsidering their options as the political conversation changes.
The improvement is particularly significant because it suggests that Labour is beginning to rebuild its support rather than simply benefiting from a temporary decline in Reform’s popularity.
Although opinion polls are not election results, the direction of travel will be encouraging for the party.
Reform’s Support Continues to Come Under Pressure
While Labour celebrates its improved position, Reform UK faces a much more difficult political situation.
Farage’s party previously enjoyed a substantial polling advantage and regularly presented itself as Britain’s most popular political movement.
Its success was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the established parties, particularly over immigration and the government’s handling of the economy.
However, Reform has increasingly faced questions about its political organisation, internal disagreements and ability to deliver its promises.
The party has also experienced a series of difficult local election results.
Several contests have demonstrated that Reform’s national popularity does not always translate into electoral victories.
Competition from other political movements has created additional difficulties, particularly where right-wing candidates divide the same pool of voters.
The emergence of Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain has added another complication.
Rather than uniting behind Farage, some voters have chosen to support an alternative political movement.
This fragmentation could become particularly damaging in closely contested constituencies.
Andy Burnham’s Leadership Gives Labour Fresh Momentum
One of the most significant developments surrounding Labour’s recovery has been Andy Burnham’s political messaging.
His conference speech attracted considerable attention, offering voters a more ambitious vision for Britain’s future.
Burnham focused on economic reform, improving public services and creating a stronger system of support for vulnerable people.
His proposals included establishing a National Care Service and addressing the long-term sustainability of the pension system.
The speech also attempted to reconnect Labour with traditional supporters who had become frustrated with the direction of the party.
For many Labour voters, the central attraction was the promise of a government that would concentrate on everyday problems rather than becoming consumed by political controversies.
The positive response to Burnham’s address could help explain why Labour has recently appeared more competitive in national polling.
However, it would be premature to attribute the entire improvement to one speech.
Economic developments, opposition weaknesses and changing public attitudes can all influence voting intentions.
Nevertheless, Burnham’s political approach appears to have given Labour a renewed sense of direction.
Nigel Farage Faces Questions About Reform’s Political Strategy
The latest polling will inevitably raise questions about Farage’s ability to maintain Reform’s electoral momentum.
For years, he has successfully positioned himself as an outsider challenging Britain’s established political system.
His message has resonated with voters who believe traditional politicians have failed to address their concerns.
However, transforming protest support into lasting political loyalty is considerably more difficult.
Reform now faces expectations that it must demonstrate practical solutions rather than simply criticise Labour and the Conservatives.
Voters want to know how the party would manage the economy, improve public services, reduce immigration and address Britain’s housing problems.
They also expect its representatives to behave professionally and demonstrate that the organisation is capable of governing.
Any controversies involving candidates, councillors or senior figures risk undermining that image.
The challenge for Farage is therefore becoming increasingly complicated.
He must maintain the support of his existing voters while convincing undecided members of the public that Reform is a credible government-in-waiting.
Labour Could Be Winning Back Former Supporters
Another important factor behind Labour’s recovery is the possibility that former supporters are beginning to return.
During the previous period of political instability, many voters who traditionally supported Labour moved towards Reform, the Greens and other parties.
Some were unhappy with Labour’s economic decisions, while others believed the party had moved away from its traditional working-class identity.
Burnham’s emphasis on public services, social care and economic fairness could help address some of those concerns.
The party may also be benefiting from voters who previously supported Reform but are becoming less convinced by Farage’s political strategy.
However, Labour should not assume that these voters will remain loyal.
Many people are still concerned about the cost of living, housing affordability, public sector waiting times and the condition of local services.
If the government fails to demonstrate meaningful progress, its improved polling position could quickly disappear.
The Conservatives Also Have an Opportunity
The changing political landscape could create opportunities for the Conservatives.
Although much of the recent attention has focused on Labour and Reform, the Conservative Party remains an important competitor.
Kemi Badenoch has attempted to rebuild the party following its historic general election defeat.
The Conservatives are seeking to attract voters who want a tougher approach to immigration and public spending but remain uncomfortable with Reform’s political style.
If Reform continues losing support, some former Conservative voters could eventually return.
This creates an increasingly complicated political contest on the right.
Farage must defend his party against the Conservatives while also dealing with competition from Restore Britain.
Meanwhile, Labour has an opportunity to strengthen its position as the main alternative to the fragmented opposition.
What Does the Latest Polling Mean for the Next General Election?
The latest figures are encouraging for Labour, but there is still a considerable distance between an improved opinion poll and a successful general election campaign.
Voting intentions can change quickly, particularly when governments announce controversial policies or economic conditions deteriorate.
The next general election will depend on several important factors.
First, Labour must demonstrate that it can improve living standards and deliver economic growth.
Second, Reform must prove that it has the organisation and experience required to govern nationally.
Third, the Conservatives will need to convince voters that they represent a credible alternative.
Finally, the fragmentation of the political right could become a decisive issue in marginal constituencies.
Under Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system, parties can lose seats even when they collectively attract substantial support.
This means that the relationship between Reform, Restore Britain and the Conservatives could have a major influence on the eventual outcome.
If those parties continue competing against one another, Labour could benefit from divided opposition support.
Labour Must Not Become Complacent
Despite the encouraging polling, Labour still has significant problems to overcome.
The party cannot rely on Reform’s declining popularity to secure long-term political success.
Voters will ultimately judge the government on its record.
Economic growth, employment, housing, immigration and the NHS will remain central issues.
The government must also demonstrate that its promises are supported by realistic policies and sufficient funding.
A temporary increase in polling support will mean very little if households continue experiencing financial difficulties.
Labour therefore faces an important opportunity.
If it can turn its improved political position into tangible results, it may be able to establish a much stronger foundation for the next general election.
If it fails, Reform could quickly regain the initiative.
Conclusion: Labour’s Recovery Creates Fresh Problems for Farage
Labour reaching its highest level of support since January 2025 represents an important development in Britain’s changing political landscape.
After months of difficulties, the party appears to be rebuilding its position, while Reform UK faces increasing pressure to explain its declining popularity.
Andy Burnham’s conference speech, Labour’s renewed focus on public services and growing questions about Reform’s political credibility may all have contributed to the changing atmosphere.
For Nigel Farage, the challenge is becoming increasingly difficult.
He must convince voters that Reform remains the best alternative to Labour while dealing with competition from the Conservatives and Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain.
For Labour, the opportunity is clear: rebuild public confidence, deliver meaningful improvements and demonstrate that its recovery is sustainable.
However, the political situation remains fluid, and a favourable poll does not guarantee future electoral success.
One thing is certain: the period when Reform appeared to enjoy an unchallenged position at the top of British politics may be coming to an end.
And if Labour can maintain its recovery, Farage could face a much tougher political battle than he anticipated.