Dozens of Labour MPs have formed an internal group to address the rising threat posed by Reform UK, amid growing concerns over the party’s increasing popularity in national polls. The informal caucus, which includes members from constituencies where Reform UK finished second in the 2024 general election, has been meeting regularly in Parliament to discuss strategies for countering Nigel Farage’s party.
The move comes as Reform UK continues to gain traction, recently topping national polls for the first time. A Find Out Now survey in January put the party at 26%, while a separate YouGov poll this week saw Reform leading with 25%, ahead of Labour on 24% and the Conservatives on 21%. Although the lead is within the margin of error, the trend has sparked alarm within Labour ranks, particularly in red-wall seats where Reform outperformed the Tories in dozens of constituencies.
Concerns over labour’s economic focus
One Labour MP from a red-wall seat, speaking to the PA news agency, highlighted concerns that Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ economic policies have been too focused on wealthier southern areas rather than the struggling communities where Reform has been gaining ground. They pointed to recent government funding for transport links between Oxford and Cambridge and support for Heathrow Airport expansion, saying:
“That has no effect whatsoever on the red wall. It’s not going to create growth in the forgotten areas where Reform are more likely to be second.”
Many in the group are calling for increased investment in transport and infrastructure across the North of England, where Reform UK’s strong performance in the general election has put pressure on Labour MPs to do more to appeal to disillusioned voters.
Shifting the focus to key voter concerns
The aim of the group is to ensure Labour’s messaging resonates with working-class voters, particularly on issues such as migration and crime—topics that Reform UK has capitalised on. Some MPs feel that the government’s political messaging is not cutting through effectively, and there is concern that Labour’s current strategy may not be enough to prevent further gains for Farage’s party.
Despite securing just five MPs in the last election, Reform UK finished second in 98 constituencies, including 89 Labour-held seats. With the party now polling ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives in some surveys, Labour strategists are increasingly aware of the need to counter its growing appeal.
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Downing Street is also taking steps to address the issue. According to The Guardian, data and strategy experts have been brought in to help MPs understand the key concerns of Reform-minded voters and adjust their messaging accordingly.
A Labour source downplayed the significance of the new group but acknowledged the need to confront the threat posed by Reform UK.
“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.”
Labour’s balancing act
The rise of Reform UK presents a difficult challenge for Labour, which must balance appealing to voters frustrated with the political establishment while maintaining its broader electoral strategy. Many of the issues that Reform has successfully leveraged—such as migration, law and order, and a sense of economic neglect in the North—are areas where Labour will need to sharpen its message.
Some Labour MPs fear that if the government does not act swiftly to address voter concerns, Reform UK could solidify its position as a serious political force, threatening Labour’s hold on key constituencies in future elections.
As the informal Labour group continues to meet, the party will be watching closely to see whether targeted messaging and policy adjustments can prevent further inroads by Reform UK—or whether the right-wing party’s momentum will continue to reshape the political landscape.
