Story perspectives

Burnham lifts Labour ahead of Reform in polls

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 6:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has lifted Labour’s poll numbers, moving the party ahead of Reform UK.
Ipsos poll shows 35% prefer Burnham as Prime Minister, versus 15% for Kemi Badenoch and 14% for Nigel Farage.
Opinium poll finds Labour-supporting voters planning to back Labour rose to 70%, up from 52% in February.
YouGov/Barn Cymru poll shows Labour’s Westminster vote share in Wales rose ten points to 18%.

History

Historical Context

Tony Blair’s New Labour turned a 23-year opposition into a 177-seat landslide on 1 May 1997, winning 43.2% of the vote and reducing the Conservatives to their lowest share since 1832. Andy Burnham’s current double-digit poll lead echoes that 1997 swing, suggesting sustained voter momentum can again reshape parliamentary fortunes for the country.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has lifted Labour’s poll numbers, moving the party ahead of Reform UK.
Ipsos poll shows 35% prefer Burnham as Prime Minister, versus 15% for Kemi Badenoch and 14% for Nigel Farage.
Opinium poll finds Labour-supporting voters planning to back Labour rose to 70%, up from 52% in February.
YouGov/Barn Cymru poll shows Labour’s Westminster vote share in Wales rose ten points to 18%.

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