Keir Starmer 'abandoned by working class' as Reform support as high as Labour among union workers

WATCH: Unions refuse to back Keir Starmer

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GB NEWS

George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 01/06/2026

- 07:25

Updated: 01/06/2026

- 08:32
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 01/06/2026

- 07:25

Updated: 01/06/2026

- 08:32

Stay up-to-date with all the latest political coverage from GB News below

Keir Starmer has been "abandoned by the working class" after a new poll found union members are just as likely to show support for Reform UK as they are for Labour.

The polling by JL Partners found Reform and Labour tied at 28 per cent among union members, with Sir Keir Starmer's party suffering a 20-point drop since 2024.


According to the poll Reform beats Labour among Unite members by 36 per cent to 30 per cent, and by 31 per cent to 22 per cent among GMB members.

Reform leader Nigel Farage told The Times: "This polling tells me exactly what I have seen on the campaign trail. Labour is no longer the party of the patriotic working class.

"That mantle now belongs to Reform, which is now the party of those who work hard but for whom the system doesn’t work."

However, newly-appointed Health Secretary James Murray dismissed the poll, telling GB News: "We are two years into a five-year parliament and we always said things would take time.

"Don't forget, union members care about increases to minimum wage which Reform opposed. Union members care about workers' rights, which Reform also opposed."

Gary Smith, from the GMB, said: "Reform are no friends of workers. They want to cancel hugely important union rights and are targeting the pensions of the low paid. But Labour has to show working-class people it can be on their side, as it did with last week’s essential help for our ceramics industry."

However, Unite union chief Sharon Graham said: "Labour has abandoned the working class, and the working class have abandoned Labour."

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Kevin Hollinrake calls for police to be focused on 'solving crimes rather than being obsessed by by this racial discrimination'

Kevin Hollinrake has said police officers must be focused on solving crimes after the murder of Henry Nowak.

The Conservative chair told GB News: "This is a terrible crime. That is something we're looking into. But there are other measures you could take, such as the blunting of the kirpan. I must say, the vast majority of Sikhs do not carry out these kind of atrocities.

"So I think we need to look at this in a balanced way rather than knee jerk reaction.

"But the other thing we need to look at in the context of this crime is how the police responded, why they handcuffed somebody who is in a terrible conditions on the basis of some kind of allegations of some racial abuse.

"I think we want the police to be focused on solving crimes rather than being obsessed by by this racial discrimination that seems to override other really serious crimes.

"So there are some lessons to learn from this around the kirpan, but other things as well. We want to make sure our police force is fully focused on tackling real crime and real criminals."

James Murray admits appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador was 'the wrong decision'

James Murray has admitted appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador was a "mistake."

The newly-appointed Health Secretary told GB News: "We are very clear that the appointment of Lord Mandelson was wrong. It was a mistake. And Keir Starmer couldn't be clearer about that, he regrets that decision, appointing Lord Mandelson.

"That was a mistake. But it's important now that we follow full transparency and publish this information.

"I think what it shows is that Keir acknowledges this was wrong,"

Survivors welcome revamp of support system for terror victims

Bereaved families and survivors have welcomed the Government’s announcement of a revamped support system for those affected by terrorist attacks.

Security minister Dan Jarvis said the new 24/7 Victim and Survivors Support Hub would provide around-the-clock support and bring together organisations, including the NHS, to streamline avenues for assistance.

Specially trained caseworkers will also be available to work with children and young people.

Mr Jarvis told the Daily Mirror: "For too long, victims and survivors of terrorism have had to navigate complicated and fragmented support services.

"I am pleased to say that ends today with the launch of our new Support Hub.

“"It will offer a simpler, more joined-up approach for those rebuilding their lives after an attack – providing a single point of contact for timely emotional and practical support, dedicated caseworkers and personalised support plans."

UK house prices fall for first time in 2026 as mortgage rates surge

UK housing market'Loss of momentum' hits UK housing market as property prices fall for first time this year | GETTY

Property prices across Britain fell for the first time this year after growing instability in global markets weakened buyer confidence and pushed mortgage rates higher.

Figures released by Nationwide Building Society showed average property values declined by 0.6 per cent between April and May.

The latest figures also showed annual house price growth slowed sharply to 1.7 per cent in May, compared with 3 per cent recorded the previous month.

The average home in Britain is now valued at £278,024, down from £278,880 in April.

Our Money Reporter Joe Sledge has the full story here.

Former UUP leader resigns over 'toxic atmosphere' in party

Former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie has resigned from the party, citing "a toxic atmosphere".

The MLA for Upper Bann has said he will continue to serve as a unionist independent.

Mr Beattie posted a statement on social media addressed to current party leader Jon Burrows where he wrote: "It has become clear that my continued membership of the Ulster Unionist Party is no longer tenable."

He said, following Mr Burrows’ election as leader, "MLAs were increasingly marginalised, ignored, isolated and discredited. Your leadership style became dismissive and overly centralised, empowering individuals to actively undermine elected representatives.

"In the absence of any coherent policy direction from the leadership, a toxic atmosphere has been allowed to flourish within the party."

Wes Streeting set for showdown with Ed Miliband as he calls on Labour to drill in North Sea

Mr Miliband and Mr Miliband are set to clash

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GETTY

Wes Streeting is set for a showdown with Ed Miliband as the former health secretary called for Labour to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea.

The Ilford North MP set out a series of policies ahead of a potential leadership contest expected by many in Westminster within the coming months.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, he also reiterated his support for the UK’s eventual return to the EU, while saying the party should stick to its manifesto commitments on Europe in the short term.

Mr Streeting argued Labour should issue more North Sea oil and gas licences, not because it would reduce bills but because it would provide additional tax revenue.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Second tranche of Mandelson papers expected to be published

Hundreds of documents relating to the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US are expected to be published this week.

The release, said to be the second largest publication to the House of Commons in history, is the second tranche of documents on the peer’s appointment.

MPs voted in February to demand ministers publish a wide range of documents relating to the appointment using an archaic parliamentary procedure known as a “humble address”.

The vote followed the launch of a police investigation into Lord Mandelson and concerns about the vetting process involved in his appointment.

A first tranche of documents, released in March, showed Sir Keir Starmer was warned of a “general reputational risk” because of Lord Mandelson’s connection to the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The second set of documents is expected to include messages between Lord Mandelson and ministers and Government advisers, including Sir Keir’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

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