This article seeks to explain the reasons behind the Labour Party's losses since coming to power in 2024. It explores losses to the Lib-Dems, Greens and Reform and identifies how losses to left-liberal and radical right parties reflect divisions within British politics. It highlights how these voters reflect contrasting demographics and hold conflicting views. It also demonstrates how these differing groups possess competing priorities and hold very different perceptions of the main parties within British politics. Specifically, it demonstrates how the realignment of the 2010s has continued to affect British political developments well into the 2020s. 

 

The paper also examines the core reason why voters are abandoning Labour. It finds that dissatisfaction over a lack of economic delivery and concerns around government competence a key drivers. It also highlights how Labour's brand being damaged has been critical in undermining support for the party, indicating that U-turns, high-profile resignations and unpopular policy decisions have negatively impacted the polls for the governing party. The paper also finds that value divides around immigration were impactful in shaping the party an individual left Labour for, where those positive about immigration flocked to the Lib-Dems and Greens, with those more sceptical moving to Reform.

 

The artcile also highlights how a coalition of voters who hold common views on a range of key issues could be united and provide a pathway to beat Reform. It concludes by suggesting a strategy that could be deployed to beat the new electoral challenge the rise of Reform brings.