Fresh polling indicates Labour has opened a five-point advantage over Reform UK, in what is being described as an "Andy Burnham bounce." The survey, conducted by BMG Research for the i Paper, adds to the sense that Labour has gained momentum after replacing Sir Keir Starmer as leader.
The headline finding is that Labour now sits clear of Reform, suggesting the leadership change may have shifted the party's standing with voters. The report frames the movement as further evidence that Burnham's arrival has given Labour a lift at a key moment in the political cycle.
While a single poll does not settle the wider picture, the result will be closely watched because it points to a change in the balance between Labour and Reform. A five-point lead is significant in a competitive environment, especially when it follows a major leadership upheaval.
The new numbers are likely to intensify scrutiny of whether Burnham can sustain this early improvement and turn a polling boost into a longer-term recovery for Labour. They also raise fresh questions about how Reform responds if Labour continues to consolidate support under its new leadership.
