Kemi Badenoch, Sir Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage
Labour returned to office for the first time in almost a generation last year, sealing a landslide victory in July’s general election.
But with Sir Keir Starmer’s party badly bruised after a rocky first few months, and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK surging, Express.co.uk readers are today being asked: Who would you like to see in Number 10?
Pollsers YouGov has resumed voting intention polling after the election, publishing its ‘best Prime Minister’ poll for the first time this year. It reveals a close contest between Sir Keir (19%) and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (20%). Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is on 9% and Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey is on 8%.
Sir Keir entered Downing Street on a wave of optimism, promising competence, stability, and an end to what he termed the “chaos years” of successive Conservative governments.
The Labour leader has focused on restoring the economy, tackling the NHS backlog, and rebuilding Britain’s global standing.
However, with cost-of-living pressures persisting, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves cruelly dubbed “Rachel from accounts” and facing mounting criticism, and Labour struggling to deliver on its ambitious pledges, the honeymoon period has come to an screeching halt.
Critics argue that Starmer’s leadership lacks dynamism and bold vision, with some questioning whether he can hold the coalition of Labour voters together long enough to secure a second term.
Mr Farage has staged a remarkable political comeback as the leader of Reform UK, emerging as a populist challenger to the mainstream parties.
Long associated with Brexit, Mr Farage has broadened his appeal by focusing on immigration, net-zero policies, and what he calls the “bloated” public sector.
His plain-speaking style has resonated with many voters frustrated with the status quo, but critics have claimed his policies often lack depth and are uncomfortable with what they see as his populist rhetoric.
Sir Ed Davey speaking in the Commons
Meanwhile, Ms Badenoch is offering her party a fresh face after years of turmoil. She has brought a new energy to the Tories, combining free-market economics with a firm stance on culture wars.
Her supporters hail her as a modern, no-nonsense leader who could reconnect the Conservatives with younger voters and ethnic minorities.
Nevertheless, others argue that her combative approach risks alienating key voter groups and question whether she can overcome the deep divisions within her party.
Sir Ed is also in the running, though his party remains a distant fourth in national polling.
Davey has championed progressive policies on climate change, housing, and civil liberties, positioning himself as a unifying figure for moderate voters.
Greens co-leader Carla Denyer
His supporters argue that he offers a calm, pragmatic alternative to the polarisation seen in recent years, but sceptics note that the Lib Dems have struggled to break through electorally, raising questions about his ability to secure broader national appeal.
Quirky photo opportunities – for example, famously falling off water skies – may also lead some voters to question how seriously they can take him as a potential leader.
Aside from the main contenders, other parties and figures are vying for recognition. The Green Party, co-led by Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, continues to push for radical action on climate change, social justice, and electoral reform.
While the Greens have limited parliamentary representation, their growing support among younger and environmentally-conscious voters could make them an outside bet for influence.
With Labour facing mounting pressure, the Conservatives under new leadership, and Nigel Farage making inroads with his populist message, one thing’s for certain: Britain’s political future is anything but clear.