Dozens of Labour MPs have set up an internal group to address the growing threat of Reform UK, following Nigel Farage’s party topping yet another national poll.
This informal caucus, which has been meeting regularly in Parliament, includes MPs from constituencies where Reform came second in the 2024 general election.
One MP from a former “red wall” seat told the PA news agency that a major concern is Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ economic growth strategy, which they believe is too focused on wealthier areas in the South.
They pointed to recent government funding for transport links between Oxford and Cambridge, as well as backing for Heathrow Airport expansion, arguing that such initiatives do little to benefit the North and Midlands—regions where Reform UK has gained traction.
Concerns within Labour have intensified after Reform UK edged ahead in national polling for the first time.
A Find Out Now survey in January placed Reform at 26%, surpassing Labour and the Conservatives.
A subsequent YouGov poll also showed Reform leading with 25%, Labour at 24%, and the Tories trailing at 21%—though the narrow margin remains within the statistical error range.
In response, Downing Street has launched a targeted strategy to counter Reform UK’s rise. According to reports, data and strategy experts have been enlisted to help MPs understand and respond to messages resonating with Reform-minded voters.
A Labour spokesperson downplayed the new group, stating: “Groups of MPs meet all the time about lots of different issues.
Labour MPs are rightly concerned about Nigel Farage’s plans to make people pay to access NHS services and will carry on taking the fight to them and other opposition parties in parliament and at the ballot box.”
