The latest pre-Budget poll has brought a surprise boost for Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, despite facing a furious attack from Donald Trump accusing them of election interference. According to the weekly Techne UK tracker poll for The Independent, Labour has seen a one-point increase to 29%, while the Tories have dropped one point to 24%. Reform UK remains steady at 19%, with the Liberal Democrats at 13%. The Greens and the SNP have seen no change at 7% and 2% respectively.
This unexpected boost for Labour comes amidst a legal complaint filed by Trump against the party, alleging illegal foreign campaign donations due to the involvement of party activists in campaigning for Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that any party members in the US were there on a voluntary basis, similar to previous elections.
In the midst of this political turmoil, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is gearing up to present her first budget next week. It is anticipated that the budget will include tax increases and tough decisions on spending and welfare. Reeves has already announced a change to fiscal rules, allowing for increased borrowing to facilitate investment in the economy.
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has expressed concerns about the increased borrowing, warning that it could lead to higher interest rates and negatively impact families with mortgages. The upcoming budget statement and the Conservative Leadership election will play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape in the coming weeks.
Techne UK CEO Michela Morizzo has highlighted the significance of the upcoming budget and the Conservative leadership competition in determining the future political direction. The recent polling results indicate a slight advantage for Labour, but the landscape could shift based on the measures announced in the budget and the outcome of the Conservative leadership race.
As voters wait to see the impact of the budget decisions, the political scene remains uncertain. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Labour can maintain its momentum or if the Conservatives will regain ground. The ongoing leadership competition within the Conservative Party adds another layer of complexity to the current political climate.
