By Labour Home Political Correspondent
The first Survation poll conducted since Andy Burnham became Labour leader and Prime Minister suggests Labour has made an encouraging start under its new leadership, with the party now just one point behind Reform UK.
The Survation survey, conducted between 22 and 24 July, puts Reform UK on 26%, Labour on 25%, the Conservatives on 19%, the Liberal Democrats on 10%, and the Greens on 8%. With only a single point separating the top two parties, the race has become significantly more competitive.
The findings reinforce a broader pattern emerging across several polling companies since Burnham entered Downing Street.
A YouGov poll conducted on 22–23 July placed Reform on 23%, Labour on 21%, and the Conservatives on 20%, while Find Out Now recorded Reform on 24% and Labour on 22%. More in Common also found Labour narrowing the gap, with Reform on 26% and Labour on 24%.
Although individual polls should always be treated with caution, the overall trend appears consistent. After months of Labour struggling in the polls, the party has narrowed the gap considerably within days of the leadership transition.
The Survation figures are particularly notable because the same pollster’s final survey before Burnham formally took office showed Labour and Reform tied on 24%, following a significant Labour recovery during the transition period.
Political analysts are pointing to Burnham’s early focus on devolving power from Westminster, boosting regional economic growth, supporting high streets and tackling the cost of living as helping Labour reconnect with voters looking for practical solutions rather than political division. His government’s first week has also been accompanied by a series of high-profile policy announcements aimed at demonstrating immediate action.
There is, of course, a long road to the next general election, and no single poll determines electoral outcomes. However, the early evidence suggests Labour has regained momentum and is once again firmly in contention.
For Labour supporters, the message from the first week of Andy Burnham’s premiership is encouraging: the gap is narrowing, confidence appears to be returning, and British politics is becoming far more competitive than it looked only a few weeks ago.
