Reform UK has regained its lead over Labour in the latest YouGov poll, suggesting that the initial boost in support for Labour following Andy Burnham’s appointment as party leader has stalled. The poll, conducted this week, places Reform UK at 23 percent, up one point from the previous survey, with Labour holding steady at 22 percent. The Conservative Party trails in third place at 19 percent, down two points.

The results mark a reversal from last week’s findings, when Labour briefly overtook Reform UK for the first time in over a year, according to a separate poll by More in Common, which reported Labour at 28 percent and Reform at 24 percent. The so-called “Burnham bounce” appeared to give new momentum to Labour following the removal of Keir Starmer as leader, but the latest data suggests this effect has moderated.

Andy Burnham, who assumed Labour leadership recently, remains the most positively rated party leader in YouGov’s observations. However, Dr. Patrick English, head of elections and political data at YouGov, emphasized that Burnham’s popularity is not sufficient to drive a significant surge in Labour’s polling. English noted that despite the favorable perception of Burnham, voters remain unconvinced that Labour or the government are effectively addressing key issues such as the cost of living and immigration.

“There has been a positive response to Labour’s leadership change,” English said. “But voters are looking for tangible improvements in their daily lives before increasing their support for Labour at the polls.”

In his early days as party leader, Burnham introduced several policies aimed at easing financial pressures on households. These included a proposed 20 percent reduction in business rates for pubs, designed to be funded in the government’s upcoming Budget, a £2 cap on bus fares outside London, and a reduction in the value-added tax on energy bills.

Following this initial policy rollout, momentum appears to have slowed, with Burnham taking a temporary leave to spend time with his family. Meanwhile, Reform UK has maintained steady support, capitalizing on voter discontent and positioning itself as the main opposition force ahead of Labour.

The political landscape remains fluid as parties seek to address public concerns over economic challenges and immigration ahead of forthcoming elections.