A YouGov survey cited by The Standard shows Nigel Farage’s Reform UK polling at 29 percent, an increase of three points from the previous week. The Conservatives fell by the same margin, now sitting at 17 percent. Labour dropped a single point, landing at 22 percent, which is the party's lowest rating since October 2019 when Jeremy Corbyn was still its leader.
Recent election results appear to have contributed to Reform’s growing momentum. On May 1, the party won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by six votes. More significantly, it secured 677 new council seats across England. In contrast, the Tories lost 674 and were left with 319. Labour lost 187, finishing with just 98. The Liberal Democrats gained 163 seats for a total of 370, while the Greens picked up 44, taking their count to 79.
“In Staffordshire, Reform won 72 percent of the seats on 41 percent of the vote. In Kent, 37 percent of the vote delivered it 70 percent of the seats, while in Derbyshire the same share was rewarded with 66 percent of all the councilors,” said Sir John Curtice, Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University.
Under the first-past-the-post system, Reform benefited from a 31 percent vote share overall.
That level of support has allowed the party to take control of ten local councils—among them Derbyshire, Kent, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, and Nottinghamshire—and become the largest party on four other councils.
The Liberal Democrats rose by one point to 16 percent, and the Greens also moved up a point to 10 percent.
The electoral shift has triggered internal discussions within both major parties. On the Conservative side, some are reportedly discussing replacing Kemi Badenoch as leader. Badenoch has dismissed calls for immediate action, saying she plans to take her time in rebuilding the party following its general election defeat in July 2024.
Labour is also facing pressure from within. Some members are urging Sir Keir Starmer to reverse proposed cuts to winter fuel payments.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting admitted the policy was a “massive” problem on the campaign trail. Others are calling for a return to traditional Labour positions, such as increased public spending funded through higher taxes.
Despite its gains, Reform UK is expected to face scrutiny over how it manages its new positions of authority.
The party has promised more efficient services at lower costs in the councils it now controls. Amid talk of a potential election pact, some Conservatives are urging a deal with Farage, the outlet reported.
