Almost half of voters view Labour as a weak political party, according to a damning new poll.
Fresh data from Merlin Strategy, shared exclusively with GB News, has exposed sinking public confidence in Sir Keir Starmer’s party as just 30 per cent of people described it as strong, while 45 per cent say it is weak.
In contrast, 48 per cent of voters described Reform UK as strong, while 21 per cent said the party appeared week.
Britons were however split when it came to the Tories, with 37 per cent saying they appeared weak and 34 per cent strong.
The poll of 1,000 people, which was carried out between 15-16 January, also showed the majority believe Labour is “trending down” at 59 per cent, compared to 24 per cent who felt the party is “on the up”.
The Conservatives fared little better, with 48 per cent saying Kemi Badneoch’s party was losing its momentum compared to 30 per cent who said it was on the rise.
Reform UK meanwhile showed a clearer majority of voters (55 per cent) who believe the party is on the up, while just 22 per cent think it is trending down.
The Green Party’s position is more mixed, with 31 per cent saying it is on the rise, 32 per cent saying it is losing its momentum and more than a third unsure.
45 per cent of people described the Labour party as weak
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JUSTIN TALLIS/GETTY
The data also showed one in five Britons are now more likely to vote for Reform following Robert Jenrick’s defection from the Conservatives.
The ex-shadow secretary became the latest high-profile Conservative to join Nigel Farage’s party yesterday.
Mr Farage has also promised a “well known” Labour defector to Reform would be revealed next week.
Rachel Reeves however insisted the claim should be taken “with a pinch of salt”.
Nigel Farage has promised a ‘well-known’ Labour defector to Reform would be revealed next week
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PA
The Chancellor was asked today if she was worried about the prospect or if she was the defector.
“Nigel Farage says a lot of things and I think we should all take those with a pinch of salt,” she told ITV Tyne Tees.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said he was “not worried” about the prospect.
Mr Farage would not be drawn into more details but has said the announcement will be “marvellous fun” and take place “next Tuesday”.
It has prompted speculation in Westminster over who could be set to jump ship, with names floated including Blue Labour peer Lord Glasman and former Labour MP Baroness Hoey, who now sits as a non-affiliated peer.
Backbench Labour MP Graham Stringer has insisted it is not him.
“I’ve been in the party a long time and I’m staying,” he said.