Key facts
- Labour leads Reform UK 26% to 25% in a September poll.
- Conservative Party support is at 20%.
- Nearly two-thirds of voters believe a donations row reflects problems with Reform UK's finances and operations.
- Reform UK suspended party officials pending an investigation into donation allegations.
- Nigel Farage attributed issues to 'human error' but denied illegal cash was taken.
- 41% of voters indicated the donation controversy made them less likely to support Reform UK.
Labour has taken a narrow lead over Reform UK in the latest City AM/Freshwater Strategy poll, with Labour at 26% and Reform UK at 25%. The Conservative Party's support has fallen to 20%. The shift comes amid a donations row that has engulfed Reform UK, with nearly two-thirds of voters believing the allegations surrounding top party figures indicate a problem with how the party is run and handles its finances. The poll, conducted in early September 2026, revealed that 41% of voters said the controversy made them less likely to back Reform UK, while 49% felt the party had more of a problem with standards than other major parties. Reform UK suspended influential party officials, including Chief of Staff Dan Jukes and Policy Chief Dr. James Orr, pending an investigation following an undercover sting operation. Nigel Farage commented that there was 'human error' in how his allies spoke to donors but stated the party had not taken any illegal cash. The controversy has also seen scrutiny over links to figures such as Christopher Harborne, Ben Delo, and George Cottrell. The Metropolitan Police are aware of the report, and the Electoral Commission is considering relevant information regarding donations. Despite the scrutiny, 69% of previous Reform UK voters stated the accusations were exaggerated, compared to 21% who believed they showed a real problem.