Poll shows Reform UK ties Labour support among members

A new poll reveals a significant shift in political allegiance among Britain's trade union members, with Reform UK now drawing equal support to the Labour Party. The survey by JL Partners shows both parties commanding 28 percent support from unionized workers, representing a dramatic 20-point drop for Labour since the 2024 general election.

The findings indicate a particular erosion of Labour's traditional base within the country's largest unions. Among members of Unite, Reform leads Labour by 36 percent to 30 percent. The gap is wider within the GMB, where Reform holds 31 percent support compared to Labour's 22 percent. The poll surveyed 1,002 public sector union members.

Union leaders responded with stark criticism of the governing party. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham described the polling as damning but not surprising. She stated that Labour has abandoned the working class, and the working class have abandoned Labour. Graham cited specific policies, including cuts to winter fuel allowance and disability benefits, alongside a perceived lack of support for oil and gas workers during a cost-of-living crisis, as reasons for the alienation.