Starmer urges ministers to confront Reform UK as Labour seeks political reset in 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told senior ministers that Labour must clearly position itself against Reform UK as it looks to rebuild momentum in the year ahead. Speaking to his political cabinet, Starmer argued that voters need to see a stark choice between Labour’s vision of national renewal and what he described as a divisive alternative offered by Reform. The message marks a more confrontational phase for a government grappling with falling poll ratings just months after a landslide election victory.

Starmer accused Reform of feeding on grievance, decline, and division, language that signals a deliberate attempt to frame the party not just as an opponent but as a threat to social cohesion. By drawing these dividing lines early in 2026, Labour hopes to reset the political narrative and regain control of an agenda that has increasingly slipped from its grasp.

Why Reform has become Labour’s main target

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has consistently topped opinion polls in recent months, capitalising on voter frustration and disillusionment. Its rise has unsettled Labour strategists, particularly as the party prepares for key electoral tests later this year. Reform is expected to make significant gains in England’s May council elections and is also eyeing parliamentary breakthroughs in Scotland and Wales.

For Labour, the concern is not only electoral arithmetic but narrative dominance. Reform has successfully positioned itself as an outlet for protest votes, often framing mainstream politics as detached from everyday concerns. Starmer’s directive to ministers suggests Labour now believes silence or cautious engagement is no longer sufficient. Instead, the party intends to challenge Reform directly on values, purpose, and credibility.

A response to sliding poll numbers

Labour’s urgency is driven by a sharp fall in public support since its emphatic victory in the 2024 general election. While the scale of the win initially gave the government political breathing space, recent opinion polls show both the party and the prime minister personally losing ground. Discontent over economic pressures, public services, and political tone has created space for rivals to advance.

Starmer’s allies argue that the government has spent its first months focused on delivery rather than messaging. The shift toward a more defined political contrast reflects a recognition that governing alone is not enough. Voters also need a clear sense of what Labour stands for and what it stands against.

Framing renewal versus division

Central to Starmer’s message is the idea of renewal. He wants Labour to be seen as the party rebuilding institutions, restoring stability, and offering pragmatic solutions. In contrast, Reform is portrayed as a movement rooted in anger rather than answers. This framing is designed to appeal to voters who may feel dissatisfied but are wary of politics driven by resentment.

The challenge for Labour will be ensuring that this contrast feels credible rather than rhetorical. Critics argue that simply labelling Reform as divisive will not be enough unless Labour also addresses the underlying grievances driving its support. That means pairing sharper political language with visible progress on living standards, public trust, and national cohesion.

Risks of a more confrontational approach

Targeting Reform so directly carries risks. Giving the party sustained attention could amplify its profile, particularly among voters already sceptical of mainstream politics. There is also the danger that Labour’s message could be perceived as dismissive of genuine concerns about immigration, economic insecurity, or identity.

However, supporters of Starmer’s strategy argue that avoiding confrontation has allowed Reform to grow unchecked. By defining the terms of the debate, Labour hopes to reclaim the initiative and force voters to weigh competing visions rather than protest sentiment alone.

A defining year ahead

As 2026 unfolds, Labour faces a delicate balancing act. It must demonstrate effective governance while re engaging voters in a more competitive political environment. Starmer’s instruction to confront Reform head on suggests he believes clarity, even at the cost of sharper divisions, is necessary to regain trust. Whether this strategy succeeds will become clearer as voters head to the polls in the months ahead.