Reform UK Narrows Gap With SNP, Outpolls Labour in Red Wall

Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party are gaining significant traction in traditional Labour 'Red Wall' constituencies and across the UK, posing a growing challenge to both Labour and Conservative parties. Recent polls show Reform UK leading nationally with 31% support and matching the SNP in Scotland at 24%, signaling potential disruptions in upcoming elections, including the Holyrood by-election. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has identified Reform as Labour's main rival for power, shifting his campaign strategy to focus on countering Farage’s appeal, especially among left-leaning anti-Reform voters. Despite Farage's popularity, particularly in Red Wall seats where he outpolls senior Labour figures like Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner, his policy decisions—such as scrapping the two-child benefit cap to attract Labour voters—have caused confusion and criticism among some conservatives. The rising influence of Reform UK has sparked a sense of urgency and panic within Labour and SNP ranks, with both parties actively campaigning against Farage to prevent further erosion of their voter bases. Overall, Farage's Reform UK is transforming from a fringe movement into a formidable political force, reshaping the electoral landscape and compelling major parties to recalibrate their strategies.