Reform Outpaces Labour Among Former State School Students

Reform UK Gains Strong Support Among State School Alumni

A recent survey by polling firm More in Common has revealed that Reform UK is the most popular political party among former pupils of state schools. The findings show that a third of these individuals would vote for Nigel Farage’s party if a general election were held immediately. This represents a significant lead over Labour, with only 20% of state school alumni indicating they would support Sir Keir Starmer’s party.

The survey marks the first time More in Common has analyzed voting intentions based on school type. It highlights Reform’s broader advantage over other parties in current polls. Luke Tryl, director of More in Common, noted that the party’s success among former state school students reflects a larger shift in the political landscape, as Reform challenges the traditional two-party system.

“Reform polls very well with people who are understandably very unhappy with the status quo,” Tryl said. “We have exceptionally volatile electorates, and the battle of the next few years will be which party can convince people it can bring about the change they need.”

Tryl emphasized that the next election will likely be won by the party that can authentically connect with the working class and middle class, addressing their concerns effectively. He pointed to Farage’s straightforward communication style and ability to connect with voters as key factors in his party’s success so far.

Reform’s Appeal Across Different Educational Backgrounds

The poll also found that Reform is the most popular party among former grammar school attendees, with 34% of respondents stating they would vote for the party if an election were called tomorrow. Labour trails behind in fourth place, with just 14% of support, following both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

However, the results reveal a surprising trend: Labour is now the most popular party among former private school pupils. According to the survey of 2,037 adults, 38% of independent school alumni would support Labour in an immediate general election. This contrasts with 25% who would back Reform and 17% who would choose the Conservatives.

Despite the government imposing a 20% VAT on private school fees this year, which has led to increased costs for parents and sparked backlash within the private school community, Labour continues to gain traction among this group. Reform has pledged to abolish the policy if Farage is elected prime minister.

Labour’s Challenge in Balancing Broad Support

Mr. Tryl suggested that Labour may view its support among private school alumni as a sign of approval for its tax policy on private education. However, he warned that this could pose a challenge for the party as it seeks to maintain relevance in traditional Labour strongholds.

“No political party in the UK can survive by only speaking to people who went to private schools,” Tryl said. “The risk for Labour is that they become the party associated with those who benefit from the current system. They need to show they have an offer for people who think the system isn’t working.”

Separate polling by More in Common indicates that Reform holds 31% of public support, ahead of Labour at 22%, the Conservatives at 18%, and the Liberal Democrats at 14%. This has prompted Labour to express growing concern over the threat posed by Reform, with Keir Starmer’s focus on stricter immigration policies seen as a direct response to the party’s rising influence.

Political Strategies to Counter Reform

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, recently emphasized the need for unity within Labour to “beat Reform” during her pitch for deputy leader. In a speech in Sunderland, she warned that internal divisions could benefit Farage.

Both Labour and the Conservatives are set to hold their annual party conferences in the coming weeks, aiming to shift the narrative away from Reform. For Labour, the challenge remains significant after a period of senior resignations and internal turmoil.