# **Labour Draws Level with Reform in Dramatic New Poll as Andy Burnham Gets an Early Boost**
Labour has erased an eight-point deficit to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in just one month, according to a new DeltaPoll survey, marking the clearest sign yet that Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s arrival is reshaping the political landscape.
The poll places Labour and Reform neck-and-neck on **28%**, while the Conservatives trail in third on **18%**. The Liberal Democrats and Greens are tied on **10%**, with the SNP on **3%**, Plaid Cymru on **1%**, and other parties sharing the remaining **2%**.
The figures represent a dramatic turnaround from DeltaPoll’s June survey, when Labour languished on **20%**, eight points behind Reform. Significantly, Reform has not lost support during that period—it remains steady at **28%**. Instead, Labour’s resurgence appears to have come from voters who had previously drifted toward smaller parties, suggesting renewed confidence following the change in leadership.
For Labour strategists, the results offer the strongest evidence so far of what many are calling the “Burnham bounce.” However, political analysts caution that new leaders often enjoy a temporary surge in popularity before voters begin judging them on their government’s record.
### A Party Reset After Starmer
Burnham inherited a party that still held a commanding parliamentary majority but had seen its public support weaken considerably under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer’s declining personal approval ratings had become a growing challenge for Labour, with many 2024 supporters becoming disillusioned and turning toward Reform UK, the Greens, or the Liberal Democrats.
Since taking over, Burnham has sought to distance himself from parts of his predecessor’s approach while presenting his leadership as a fresh start rather than simply a continuation of the previous administration. His experience leading Greater Manchester, combined with relatively strong personal approval ratings, appears to have resonated with voters.
An eight-point gain in a single poll is substantial, although experts stress that it should be interpreted cautiously until additional surveys confirm the trend.
### Other Polls Suggest a Tight Race
DeltaPoll is not alone in detecting movement.
A recent YouGov survey also indicates that Labour has regained ground, although it still places Reform narrowly ahead. In that poll, Reform stands at **23%**, with both Labour and the Conservatives tied on **21%**.
Compared with the previous week’s findings, Reform slipped by one point while Labour gained one and the Conservatives gained two.
Although the precise numbers differ between polling companies due to varying methodologies, both surveys suggest that Reform’s once-commanding lead has narrowed considerably. Rather than a straightforward contest between Labour and Reform, Britain may now be heading toward a highly competitive three-way race.
### Burnham’s Focus: The Cost of Living
The improvement in Labour’s polling coincides with Burnham’s first days as Prime Minister, during which he has repeatedly emphasized tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
Chairing his first Cabinet meeting, Burnham urged ministers to prioritize policies that would ease financial pressure on households.
“What can we do just to take that little bit of pressure off people’s shoulders?” he reportedly asked his Cabinet, making clear that he wants Labour to be seen as a “cost-of-living government.”
Several measures have already been announced.
The government plans to remove VAT from household electricity bills beginning on **1 October**, a move expected to save the average household around **£45 per year**. Ministers have also outlined plans for a nationwide **£2 cap on single bus fares**, a **20% reduction in business rates for hospitality businesses**, and an initial **£340 million** package aimed at reducing long-term rough sleeping.
Individually, these policies are relatively modest. Collectively, however, they are intended to demonstrate that Burnham’s leadership is already producing tangible changes affecting everyday life.
### Farage Calls for a General Election
Nigel Farage has responded by demanding an immediate general election, arguing that Burnham lacks a direct mandate from voters.
“This man has no mandate whatsoever,” Farage said, contending that Labour’s new leader was not elected on the 2024 general election manifesto and should therefore seek public approval before introducing major policy changes.
Constitutionally, however, there is no requirement for a new Prime Minister to call an election after replacing a party leader. Under the UK’s parliamentary system, voters elect Members of Parliament rather than a prime minister directly, allowing governing parties to change leaders without returning to the polls.
### Challenges Remain for Both Parties
While Labour appears to have regained momentum, analysts caution against assuming the party’s recovery
