Andy Burnham has instructed the Labour party to "rearm" for the next election, citing concerns within government about a potential Kemi Badenoch-led Conservative recovery. Downing Street sources indicate the Prime Minister wants Labour headquarters to refocus on the Conservatives as an electoral threat, following more than two years of prioritising Nigel Farage’s Reform and the Greens.
A No 10 insider stated that Mr Burnham is aware of electoral volatility and that despite current poll standings, the Tories' trajectory is upwards. Conservative support, which had previously dipped to 18%, rose to 25% last week according to More in Common polling. This marks the first time in 18 months they have exceeded their vote share from their last general election defeat.
Labour officials acknowledge the need to step up their wider strategy against the Conservatives, who are the official opposition. The party is reportedly preparing to dedicate more resources to challenging the Tories from January, in anticipation of the May elections.