Labour Surges Ahead of Reform in Latest Polling Amid Farage's By-Election Battle
New surveys indicate a significant shift in voter preference, challenging Reform's prior dominance as key political figures navigate critical electoral contests.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
Labour has overtaken Nigel Farage's Reform party in national polling, marking a notable shift in the political landscape.
This development unfolds as Mr. Farage remains embroiled in a by-election contest in Clacton, a seat he vacated to initiate the race.
The Clacton by-election features 34 fringe opponents; no major parties contest the seat.
Meanwhile, Labour anticipates a landslide victory in the Manchester mayor by-election, a stark contrast to the Clacton contest.
Polling from More in Common projects Labour’s candidate, Bev Craig, to secure 39 percent of the vote in Thursday's election.
Reform expects approximately 19 percent in the Manchester mayoral race, with the Greens at 14 percent and the Tories at 12 percent.
In a subsequent run-off, Labour projects securing around two-thirds of the votes against Reform.
The current Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, resigned from his position to facilitate a return to Westminster.
This strategic shift in Labour's leadership ends Reform’s period of dominance in national polling.
Mr. Farage’s aspirations of becoming prime minister diminish, directly impacted by these electoral setbacks.
Reform don’t seem to be able to do anything that can halt their decline.
Lord Hayward states, 'Reform don’t seem to be able to do anything that can halt their decline.'
Beyond the electoral challenges, Mr. Farage faces an investigation by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.
The probe concerns a £5 million undeclared gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.
More than half of voters believe Nigel Farage attempts to divert attention from questions regarding the undeclared gift.
Mr. Farage maintains the £5 million constituted an unconditional personal gift, therefore not subject to declaration rules.