Voting intention: 15th April 2026
See the full data tables here.
Reform UK continues to lead the latest Opinium voting intention poll, maintaining its position ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives. While changes since March are modest, the broader picture remains one of fragmentation across the political landscape, with four parties clustered within 11 points.
Alongside this, leader ratings remain subdued across the board, and public opinion continues to show uncertainty about which party is best placed to manage key issues, with large proportions selecting “neither” when asked to choose between Labour and the Conservatives.
Reform maintains lead as leader ratings remain negative
Reform UK leads on 26% (-1), followed by Labour on 22% (+1). The Conservatives remain on 17%, with the Greens on 15% and the Liberal Democrats on 11% (-1).
Despite Reform’s lead, Nigel Farage’s personal ratings remain negative (27% approve, 47% disapprove, net -21), and have declined slightly since March.
Keir Starmer’s ratings are also weak, with 20% approval and 58% disapproval (net -39). Kemi Badenoch continues to have comparatively stronger ratings than other leaders, though still negative overall (26% approve, 37% disapprove, net -11).
Ed Davey (-5) and Zack Polanski (-11) both record less negative scores, though with lower levels of public recognition.
Overall, no leader achieves a positive net approval rating, reinforcing the fragmented and uncertain political environment reflected in voting intention.
Public sees limited advantage for either Labour or Conservatives on key issues
When asked which party would handle major issues best, neither Labour nor the Conservatives establish a decisive advantage, with large proportions selecting “neither”.
Labour holds modest leads on areas such as the NHS (+7), environmental issues (+5), and inequality (+6). Meanwhile, the Conservatives are ahead on the economy (+4), defence (+4), and immigration (+3).
However, across most issues, around four in ten respondents say neither party would handle them best, underlining a broader lack of confidence in the main parties’ ability to address key challenges.
Defences rises up the list of public concerns
The NHS continues to be the most important issue facing the country, cited by 50% of respondents, although this has fallen slightly since March. Immigration (44%) and the economy (44%) follow closely behind.
Since the start of the year, concern around defence and energy has increased notably. Defence has risen from 11% in January to 18% in April, while energy and power has increased from 17% to 25%.
These shifts suggest growing public attention on international developments and long-term economic pressures.
Government ratings improve slightly on international handling
The government continues to receive negative ratings for its handling of international affairs, though these have improved compared to early March.
Around 31% say the government is doing a good job representing Britain internationally, compared to 48% who say it is doing a bad job (net -17). Ratings are slightly better for Europe (net -14) and relations with China (net -11).
Handling of relations with Donald Trump remains more negative (net -18), though this represents a notable improvement compared to earlier in the conflict.
On the ongoing situation in Iran, all major political leaders receive net negative ratings for their response, although Starmer, Badenoch and Davey have seen modest improvements since March.
Mixed views on EU relations and future direction
Public opinion on the UK’s relationship with the EU remains broadly stable. Around one in three (34%) support rejoining the EU, while just over half (52%) prefer to remain outside.
Within that group, opinions differ on the desired relationship: 22% favour closer ties, 17% prefer maintaining the current arrangement, and 12% support a more distant relationship.
There is clearer consensus on broader geopolitical alignment. A majority (55%) believe the UK should prioritise greater cooperation with the EU over the United States, compared to 18% who favour closer alignment with the US.
Views are more positive on specific proposals to align more closely with EU rules, with 40% approving and 24% disapproving of plans to adopt some future single market regulations more quickly.
Opinium conducted a nationally and politically representative survey of 2,014 UK adults between 15th and 17th April 2026.