A new opinion poll has found that Labour has drawn level with Reform UK, in what is being described as a possible "Burnham bounce" following the party's decision to remove Keir Starmer as leader and Prime Minister. The finding suggests that the leadership change, which saw Andy Burnham take over, may be improving Labour's standing with voters after a sustained period in which Reform UK had held a significant lead in the polls.

The shift comes as Burnham settles into his new role, including plans to spend time working from a Manchester office, and after he warned Cabinet colleagues that all policies must be clearly funded, shortly after announcing an £850 million energy bills support package without specifying how it would be paid for. The change in leadership has prompted mixed reactions, with some foreign media reportedly criticising the switch, while supporters point to the narrowing poll gap as an early sign of a recovery in Labour's fortunes.