Nigel Farage has stated that Reform UK is now considered “the primary opposition to Labour” as his party has surpassed the Tories for the first time in a recent poll.
In a setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a YouGov survey revealed that Reform UK polled at 19%, outpacing the Conservatives at 18%.
Follow live analysis of the ongoing seven-way TV debate
The poll results were released just before an ITV debate featuring prominent figures from the seven major parties.
Farage wasted no time celebrating the poll outcome, asserting in his opening remarks: “Just before we went on air, we took the lead over the Conservatives in the national polls.
“We are now the main opposition to Labour.”
The poll was conducted following Mr. Sunak’s introduction of a £17bn tax reduction in the Conservative manifesto earlier this week.
It demonstrates Reform’s rise by two points, while Labour, Lib Dems, and the Greens have each dropped by one.
The detailed outcomes are:
Labour: 37% (-1)
Reform: 19% (+2)
Conservatives: 18% (nc)
Lib Dems: 14% (-1)
Green Party: 7% (-1)
SNP: 3% (+1)
Plaid Cymru: 1% (nc)
Other: 2% (+1)
Farage Wastes No Time in Celebrating Poll Success
Despite the brevity of the opening statements in the ITV leaders’ debate, they carried significant weight.
As expected, Nigel Farage wasted no time exulting over the surprising poll results just minutes before the start, which positioned Reform UK ahead of the Conservatives.
“We now represent the primary opposition to Labour,” he proudly declared, a statement he has been eager to proclaim loud and clear as his party’s support has gradually increased throughout the campaign.
Penny Mordaunt signaled her intent to attack Labour on tax during the debate, asserting that she will emphasize the Tories’ tax reductions against Labour’s proposed increases.
Hold on tight. It’s going to be a challenging journey.
According to Sky’s polling analyst, Will Jennings, the YouGov survey “poses a significant threat to the Conservatives.”
“Due to the distribution of their support, Reform is not expected to secure many seats, but they could potentially prevent the Conservatives from winning narrowly contested seats across the country,” he noted.
“In numerous constituencies, this could determine whether a Conservative or a Labour MP is elected.”
Following his unexpected return to the forefront of politics last week, Mr. Farage articulated his intentions to supplant the Tories as the official opposition in the event of a landslide victory for Labour, as predicted by current polls.
He dismissed the prospect of forming an alliance with the Conservatives following remarks from senior Tory Suella Braverman suggesting that her party should embrace the former UKIP leader due to their similarities in policies.
The poll results add to Sunak’s woes, as he continues to grapple with the aftermath of his D-day blunder last week.
For more updates from Sky News:
Tories vow to increase police force by 8,000, funded through visa cost hikes
Get to know Reform UK
Despite issuing multiple apologies for missing an international ceremony attended by dignitaries such as US President Joe Biden to commemorate the allied landings, the prime minister faces continued criticism from adversaries, veterans, and even some within his own party.
The backlash prompted him to dispel rumors of resignation and acknowledge during the manifesto launch that “people are displeased with me.”
The manifesto included pledges for an additional 2p reduction in national insurance (NI), a new tax benefit for retirees, and the abolition of NI entirely for self-employed individuals.
However, these proposals have failed to improve Sunak’s standing, as he was already trailing Labour by 20 points when he unexpectedly called for elections on July 4th.
