Andy Burnham's first week as prime minister has seen Labour overtake Reform UK in the polls for the first time in over a year.
The political landscape in the UK is shifting rapidly under the leadership of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. In a significant turn of events, Labour has taken the lead in the polls, marking the first time in over a year that they have surpassed Reform UK.
This surge in support comes as Burnham completes his first week in office, bringing a wave of optimism and policy announcements that seem to be resonating with voters.
The latest survey by pollsters More in Common reveals that Labour now holds a 28% share, up four points from the previous week.
In contrast, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has seen a decline, dropping two points to 24%. The Tories trail closely behind in third place with 22%. This shift in the polls highlights what many are calling the “Burnham bounce,” a phenomenon where a new leader’s initial popularity boosts their party’s standing.
Labour’s Resurgence and the ‘Burnham Bounce’
Luke Tryl, the UK director at More in Common, noted the significance of these poll results. “It’s only been a week since he entered office, but it’s clear that momentum is on the prime minister’s side,” Tryl stated. “After a jam-packed week of high-profile policy announcements and media appearances, the Labour Party has surged in our weekly poll.” This resurgence is particularly notable as it marks Labour’s highest vote share since the early months of the current government in 2026.
The poll also suggests that if a general election were held today, Labour would secure 325 seats, giving them a narrow working majority. The Tories would come in second with 124 seats, while Reform UK would be in third place with 88 seats. This projected outcome underscores the potential impact of Burnham’s leadership on the political landscape.
Burnham’s Approach and Future Plans
Despite the positive poll numbers, Andy Burnham has been cautious about interpreting the results. In a recent interview, he emphasized that he is not getting “carried away” by the polls but is pleased that his message is resonating with the public. “I’m pleased to have kind of made a start where hopefully I’ve connected with people and I am talking a lot about Britain believing again and getting its hope back,” Burnham said. He also highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine and fostering international collaboration.
Burnham has also addressed speculation about potential policy changes, such as the reform of stamp duty. He clarified that there are no plans to scrap stamp duty in the upcoming budget, focusing instead on cutting the cost of living. This approach aims to address immediate economic concerns while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions.
Challenges and Controversies
While Burnham’s leadership has brought a surge in Labour’s poll numbers, it has not been without its challenges. Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has faced scrutiny over an undeclared £5 million donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and his associations with convicted money launderer George Cottrell. These controversies have added to the political drama, with Farage becoming a figure of fun after forcing a by-election in his own constituency.
Despite these challenges, Burnham remains focused on his agenda. He has indicated a willingness to find “common ground” with the Tories on social care reform, emphasizing the need for cross-party cooperation. This collaborative approach aims to address long-standing issues and build a more unified political strategy.
As Burnham continues to navigate his new role, the political landscape in the UK remains dynamic. The early momentum from his leadership has set the stage for a potentially transformative period in British politics, with Labour’s resurgence marking a significant shift in the balance of power.
