Burnham and Badenoch's speeches boost both parties in polls

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 11:13 · Archive

Labour PM Andy Burnham and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have consolidated support following well-received conference speeches.

Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch have consolidatedtheir support bases following well-received speeches at their parties' annual conferences. Latest Opinium polling puts Labour on 29 per cent, with Reform on 23 per cent and the Conservatives up three points to 20 per cent. The Greens have dipped two points to 9 per cent, while the Liberal Democrats remain at 9 per cent.

According to the survey, a third of voters viewed Badenoch's conference speech positively, compared with 14 per cent who reacted negatively. More than half said they had no clear view. Badenoch reportedly unveiled plans including a pledge to cut inheritance tax.

Political commentators are questioning whether Britain's increasingly fragmented political landscape could become a contest between the two traditional governing parties. The Evening Standard reports that Burnham has enjoyed a notable rise in support since entering Downing Street, with Labour having reached its strongest position since early 2025 according to polling cited by The Independent.

How it is being reported

• Could UK politics return to a two-horse race? Burnham and Badenoch climb in the pollsWell-received speeches by Labour PM Andy Burnham and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch have consolidated their support basesEvening Standard · 11 Oct, 10:56
• GLEN OWEN: With the Right split and other parties on the Left in disarray... why wouldn't Burnham call an election?When Andy Burnham gave his lachrymose conference speech in Liverpool, Kemi Badenoch and her closest aides were tensed for one particular announcement amongst the plethora of Left-wing policy pledges.Daily Mail · 11 Oct, 00:40

In this story: Andy Burnham · Kemi Badenoch · Labour · Conservative Party · Reform UK · Green Party · Liberal Democrats

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