Reform UK Leads Polls as Starmer Faces Leadership Crisis
Reform UK has overtaken the Labour Party in nationwide polling as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism over staffing departures and rising cost-of-living concerns.
A series of February 2026 polls indicate a significant shift in British political support, with Keir Starmer facing a decline in popularity and a challenge to his leadership legitimacy. A JL Partners poll shows Reform UK leading the Labour Party by seven percentage points, with 27% support compared to Labour's 20% and the Conservative Party's 19%. This surge is attributed to voter dissatisfaction over council tax, energy bills, and the removal of winter fuel payments for pensioners.
During Prime Minister's Questions in London, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the Prime Minister over the abrupt departure of Labour strategist Morgan McSweeney. While Labour allies described the staffing change as a reset and the polling drop as a momentary dip, critics argue the data reflects a loss of support among Red Wall voters. Starmer responded by defending his leadership and apologizing for mistakes.
Separate data from More in Common suggests a broader political malaise. Although Kemi Badenoch would defeat other party leaders in head-to-head matchups for preferred Prime Minister, the Conservative Party remains third in overall voting intention. In an open-ended question, Nigel Farage was the most popular choice for best Prime Minister at 21%, though 37% of voters believe none of the five largest party leaders are capable of doing a good job.
