Overview
- Three national polls this week, including YouGov’s survey conducted on 9–10 August, show Labour edging ahead of Reform in voting intention after Andy Burnham became prime minister.
- Freshwater Strategy tracking and other polls report a sharp rise in Burnham’s personal approval, making him the most popular leader measured in recent monthly surveys.
- Polling shifts show Labour’s gains have come largely from former Green and Liberal Democrat voters, with survey data indicating notable shares of those 2024 supporters now backing Labour.
- Reform and Nigel Farage have seen falling support linked to Farage’s decision to stand down from Clacton and a parliamentary standards inquiry that coincides with a by-election he is contesting.
- Political strategists are urging Burnham to consider a snap general election but he has publicly ruled one out so far while Conservatives remain around the low 20s and parties weigh the risks of early voting.