Summary:
Multiple polling organizations in May and early June 2026 indicate that Reform UK continues to lead in Westminster voting intentions ahead of the Labour Party and the Conservative Party. Aggregated figures from sources including YouGov, Find Out Now, More in Common, Opinium, and Good Growth Foundation place Reform UK support between 25% and 30%, with poll-of-polls averages around 27% to 28%. Labour and the Conservatives register between 16% and 20% each in these surveys. This standing builds on the party's strong performance in the May 2026 local elections, where it gained approximately 1,450 councillor seats and control of several councils. Immigration stands out as a prominent issue in public opinion, where Reform UK draws significant support from voters who prioritize tighter controls. The results reflect ongoing voter dissatisfaction with the established parties' approaches to domestic priorities, contributing to a fragmented political environment as the next general election remains scheduled for 2029.
Detailed Report
1. Recent National Polling Trends Across Independent Firms
Surveys conducted in late May and early June 2026 consistently show Reform UK positioned ahead of the traditional major parties in national voting intentions. YouGov polling for The Times and Sky News recorded Reform UK at 27% in late May fieldwork and 25% in early June. Find Out Now surveys placed the party at 25%. More in Common reported 30%, Opinium indicated 29%, and Good Growth Foundation showed 27%. These individual results align with broader patterns observed since spring 2025.
Poll aggregators confirm the trend. PollCheck's seven-poll moving average as of mid-June stood at 27.6% for Reform UK, with Labour and the Conservatives each near 18.7%. Electoral Calculus projections similarly estimated Reform UK at 27% in its current poll-of-polls.
While variations occur between pollsters and all figures fall within standard margins of error, the overall direction indicates sustained strength for Reform UK relative to Labour and the Conservatives.
2. Reform UK Gains in the May 2026 Local Elections
The May 2026 local elections across England marked substantial advances for Reform UK. The party secured around 1,453 councillor seats, representing a gain of approximately 1,451 positions, and achieved control of multiple councils including notable breakthroughs in areas such as Havering. Labour recorded heavy losses, declining by more than 1,400 seats and ceding control in several authorities. The Conservatives also saw reductions in their representation. Analyses described the outcomes as highly fragmented, with Reform UK emerging as a primary beneficiary amid shifts in voter alignments.
Post-election data highlighted that Reform UK voters tended to decide their choices earlier than supporters of other parties and expressed greater optimism regarding the results. The contests underscored difficulties for the governing Labour Party and pointed to broader questions about political realignment in England.
3. Immigration as a Central Concern in Current Public Opinion
Immigration features as one of the most salient issues in British public discourse. Gallup polling from early 2026 found the United Kingdom leading many countries in the share of adults identifying migration as the top national problem, with over one in five respondents citing it. Among Reform UK supporters, this proportion approached half. Ipsos trackers have similarly documented high levels of concern, with immigration frequently ranking as the single most important issue facing the
country.
Public views on the topic show notable divisions. A significant segment of respondents across surveys supports reductions in immigration levels, accompanied by widespread dissatisfaction with government management of the issue. Demographic differences appear in attitudes, yet overall salience has remained elevated. Reform UK draws particularly strong backing from those emphasizing stricter approaches to both legal and irregular migration flows.
4. Reform UK Policy Positions
Reform UK's platform calls for freezing non-essential immigration while permitting entry for essential skills, especially in healthcare. Key proposals encompass higher salary thresholds for visas, requirements for English language proficiency, enhanced character checks, and steps to curb small boat arrivals including potential withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights and expanded offshore processing. The party advocates replacing indefinite leave to remain with renewable visas and limiting non-citizens' access to certain public benefits.
Regarding the National Health Service, the party supports retention of free access at the point of use funded by general taxation, with efforts to shift resources from administrative overhead to frontline care, provision of tax incentives for medical personnel, and greater use of private sector capacity to address waiting lists.
Economic measures include increases to income tax thresholds, targeted adjustments to corporation tax for smaller enterprises, and changes to energy policies intended to reduce costs for households. These stances correspond to areas where the party registers competitive or leading support among voters focused on service delivery and fiscal issues.
5. Wider Political Landscape and Voter Dynamics
Current polling dynamics highlight difficulties for Labour under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose party's support has fallen considerably since the 2024 general election. The Conservatives have faced parallel challenges in regaining traction. Smaller parties such as the Greens and Liberal Democrats account for portions of the remaining vote, adding to the multi-party character of competition.
Forthcoming by-elections, including the contest in Makerfield, offer additional indications of these trends, with immigration and economic matters featuring prominently in local and national discussions. The next general election is not due until 2029, providing extended scope for potential changes in public sentiment and party positioning.
Conclusion
Polling data from a range of independent organizations in May and June 2026 underscores Reform UK's position at the forefront of national voting intentions, reinforced by its advances in the recent local elections and alignment with voter priorities on immigration. This configuration illustrates a continued fragmentation of support away from the two historically dominant parties. Developments in the intervening period until the 2029 general election will shape how these trends evolve in response to ongoing public concerns.