Badenoch's Tories climb to within two points of Labour in their best poll since the election as Reform stays third

A YouGov poll published on Tuesday — the first since last week's Budget — puts the Conservatives at 24 per cent, a two-point rise from the previous week and the party's strongest showing since the 2024 general election. Labour drops one point to 26 per cent, while Reform UK, occupying third place for a third consecutive week, stands at 21 per cent.

Some 67 per cent of 2024 Tory voters say they would back the Conservative leader's party again, and the Conservatives are now attracting 17 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds — more than the Lib Dems and Reform combined.

Reform's slide continues, with 21 per cent marking its lowest YouGov score since the general election before this week's slight one-point recovery.

The Prime Minister has insisted he can 'rule out calling a general election in the next 12 months', following speculation after the Budget that he might go to the country early.