Tories close to within two points of Labour in their best poll since the election, leaving Reform stuck in third

Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives are now drawing 17 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds — more than the Lib Dems and Reform combined, according to the first YouGov poll since last week's Budget.

Some 67 per cent of 2024 Tory voters said they would back Kemi Badenoch's party again, according to the first YouGov poll since last week's Budget.

YouGov's first voting-intentions poll since last week's Budget puts the Conservatives on 24 per cent — up two points in a week and their strongest showing since the 2024 general election. Labour dropped one point to 26 per cent, with Burnham's Budget delivering no polling bounce. Reform slipped to 21 per cent, its third consecutive week in third place.

Tory strategists believe Badenoch's tax and welfare pledges are cutting through, with 67 per cent of 2024 Tory voters saying they would back the party again.

Reform's slide comes after nearly 18 months as Britain's most popular party, with the party mired in a donations row, racism allegations and the rising challenge from Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain.

Chancellor John Healey, asked if he shares Burnham's ambition to rejoin the EU, replied: 'I'm older than Andy Burnham — I don't expect to see that.'

The IndependentTories dramatically close gap on Labour in best polling since general election Daily MailTory revival gathers pace as poll shows party closing on Labour The IndependentUK poll tracker: Tory support hits new high after Labour Budget The TimesTories two points off Labour in best polling since election Guido FawkesYOUGOV: Tories Within Two Points of Labour - Guido Fawkes

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