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The Fashion Central
Mason Evans

Starmer Dodges Election Commitment as Reform UK Surges Ahead in Shocking Poll Twist

Photo by WPA/Getty Images

Sir Keir Starmer has sidestepped a direct answer on whether he’ll lead Labour into the next General Election, sparking fresh speculation about his long-term intentions. During a visit to Albania, the Prime Minister was asked about his plans and whether he’d be running to stay in No. 10, but he didn’t exactly give a clear “yes”.

“You’re getting way ahead of me,” he told GB News. Instead, Starmer focused on the here and now, saying: “I’m absolutely clear that my task is to rebuild our country… You’ve seen it over the last few days – trade deals with India, with the US, hopefully a trading relationship with the EU, very strong growth figures today reflecting the decisions that we’ve made.”

But his reluctance to commit comes at a time when Labour’s support is wobbling, and Reform UK is making serious gains. A new Survation poll shows Reform now on 30%, up four points in just two weeks, while Labour has dipped slightly to 25%. The Tories, meanwhile, have seen support plummet even further to 18%.

Reform leader Richard Tice didn’t miss the opportunity to highlight the shift, saying: “Another poll showing Reform UK leading Labour. The minor parties are a long way back.”

Starmer himself has recently admitted that Labour’s real challenge might no longer be the Tories, but Reform. Speaking to The Sun, he said: “We were planning on the basis we were likely to be facing Reform at the next election in any event,” and noted that the local election results had confirmed what the party had already suspected.

While he avoided taking a swipe at Nigel Farage, Starmer did go after Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, claiming: “The Tory Party is a busted flush. They haven’t learnt the lessons of the last General Election. They have no idea where they are heading.”

But Farage was quick to fire back, accusing Starmer of only reacting now that Reform is breathing down Labour’s neck. “They weren’t concerned before May 1, were they?” Farage said. “Keir Starmer has spent his whole career campaigning for free movement of people… Now, of course, he knows that amongst the great British public, this issue rates even higher than the health service. And he’s just basically playing catch-up with Reform.”

As Reform gains ground and public attention, Starmer’s vague answers and shifting focus are only adding fuel to the fire, and voters are starting to take notice.

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