In a recent development that might offer a glimmer of optimism for Rishi Sunak, Labour’s lead over the Tories has diminished by six points over the last two weeks, according to a new poll.
The Conservatives have seen their support climb by three points, reaching 27 percent, while both Labour and Reform have experienced a slight decline in backing.
This shift comes during a relatively calm period in UK politics, with Parliament on its Easter recess and Tory backbenchers temporarily pausing their overt criticism of the Prime Minister.
However, the Savanta poll provides only limited relief for Sunak. Labour maintains a 15-point advantage, and unless this gap closes further, Sir Keir Starmer could still secure a commanding majority, potentially up to 188 seats.
Adding to the complexity, a survey released recently indicated that the Conservative lead over Reform is narrower than ever, standing at merely six points.
As for the timing of the next general election, Sunak remains characteristically reserved. While he has hinted at the latter half of this year, his deputy, Oliver Dowden, recently suggested that January 25 might still be an option.
Support for the Conservatives has risen by three points to 27 per cent at the same time as Labour and Reform have both dropped back.
But the findings of the poll by Savanta offer only a partial respite for Rishi Sunak. Labour is still 15 points ahead, and if the lead does not narrow further, Sir Keir Starmer could still win a majority of up to 188.
Speaking to LBC Mr Sunak said: ‘I said at the beginning of this year, very clearly that my working assumption was that we would have an election in the second half of this year.’
Chris Hopkins, Savanta’s political research director, said: ‘It has been a relatively quiet period in Westminster, with the government looking sure-footed on the main issue of the day, the Israel-Gaza conflict.
‘When the Conservatives aren’t battling rolling headlines of scandal and disunity, that will almost certainly be helping them in the eyes of the electorate.’
‘This is only one poll, which may be an outlier and therefore taken with caution. A 15-point lead for Labour would simply be the difference between an electoral battering and an absolute wipeout for the Conservatives.
‘That being said, these results will likely hearten Rishi Sunak weeks ahead from crucial local elections.’
Suella Braverman warned the Tories are ‘heading for a defeat’ at the general election as she reiterated her demand for Rishi Sunak to ‘change course’
The latest Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll showed Reform UK were supported by 15% of voters. This compared to Labour on 44%, the Tories on 21%, and Lib Dems on 10%
Suella Braverman yesterday warned the Tories are ‘heading for a defeat’ at the general election as she reiterated her demand for Rishi Sunak to ‘change course’.
The former home secretary, who was sacked by Mr Sunak in November, urged the Prime Minister to ‘improve the offer’ to British voters before they go to the polls.
Mrs Braverman called for further tax cuts, a greater clampdown on migration, and fresh measures on national security, social cohesion and extremism.
She claimed Mr Sunak’s current approach in all these areas was ‘insufficient’.
The ex-Cabinet minister is regularly touted as a possible replacement for Mr Sunak as Tory leader.
But, speaking to LBC Radio, Mrs Braverman ruled herself out of a leadership bid for the time being.
