Reform led the national election polls for the first time in early February, sparking a wave of anxiety within Labour that Reform would be a serious contender next election.
This has caused Labour MPs from constituencies where Reform came in second place last election to form an informal group to pressure Downing Street to take action to tackle the party.
Before continuing, it is important to note that this one-point Reform lead, reported by two YouGov voting intention polls in February, falls within the margin of error. It is also important to note that polling isn’t entirely accurate, and many respondents may say one thing to a pollster, but when it actually comes to voting, do another.
One measure that Labour has already taken to counter Reform’s rising popularity, is increasing awareness of their immigration strategy. This has involved using Reform UK typography in adverts and posting videos of deportations online. While directly appealing to one of Reform’s main policy platforms, this has resonated poorly with traditional and younger Labour voters.
Another suggestion, floated by the PM’s Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, was to make real improvements to local public services. While this is more pragmatic and in-keeping with Labour’s roots, critics worry it won’t be obvious or fast enough for the party to reap the benefits in 2029.
Away from policy, one of Reform’s main attractions is its anti-establishment rhetoric. This will be difficult for Labour to combat, having won its first term in government a century ago. Only by stressing the non-democratic structure of Reform, its entourage of wealthy donors, and the length of leader Nigel Farage’s political career, can they water down its deceptive ‘newcomer’ façade.
In the absence of a cohesive Conservative opposition, this rapid rise in Reform’s popularity has rightly intimidated much of Labour. However, the party must refrain from both being complacent to the threat that Reform poses, and from overcompensating against this same threat. It has to strike a middle ground, by tackling failing public services and creating a fair economy, while also solving illegal immigration without being needlessly cruel. This strategy has to encompass the whole of the UK, leading politics away from its contrived Westminster gossip bubble.
Featured Image Credit: Flourish, Data from YouGov
Politics Editor
Journalism and Politics 4th Year
Stockport
