Labour's support has surged to 24%, placing it neck-and-neck with the Reform party for the first time since April of last year, according to Survation research released following Andy Burnham's official confirmation as Labour leader. The poll indicates a five-point increase for Labour in the past month, while Reform saw a three-point drop amid controversy over undeclared funds linked to Nigel Farage.
The Conservative party is polling at 21%, trailing both Labour and Reform. This shift in voting intention is significant, as it marks the first instance in over a year that Labour has not been behind in a voting intention poll. Labour MPs are expected to interpret these figures as validation for the recent leadership change.
Andy Burnham was formally announced as the new leader at an event in London. In his inaugural address, he signaled a shift to the left, attributing current national challenges to policies from the 1980s under Margaret Thatcher and to capitalism. He spoke of a return to "authentic Labour" principles, including nationalization and increased public control, with the stated aim of countering the rise of the Reform party.
Burnham, who officially assumes the role of Prime Minister on Monday, also offered praise for his predecessor, Keir Starmer, acknowledging his service to the party and country. Starmer, departing after less than two years in leadership despite securing a significant election majority, stated his belief that he had established a "sound foundation" for the party to potentially win a second term in 2029. He pledged his support for an orderly transition and for the new government's success.
Burnham's initial public communications have largely consisted of social media content focusing on personal preferences and lighthearted topics, rather than engaging with media on policy or political matters. His recent remarks have invoked historical industrial settings and a critique of "Neoliberalism," a term often used to criticize capitalist economic policies.
The Survation poll's findings, showing a notable surge for Labour and a dip for Reform, come at a critical juncture for the party, particularly as it navigates the fallout from the controversy surrounding Nigel Farage's financial dealings.