Why Reform UK Voters Prefer Jeremy Corbyn Over Keir Starmer

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It sounds like a political paradox: Reform UK voters—largely right-wing, anti-establishment, and anti-“woke”—say they prefer Jeremy Corbyn, the former left-wing Labour leader, over current Labour leader Keir Starmer. But a recent Merlin Strategy poll reveals exactly that.

Corbyn, known for his anti-war stance, pro-worker policies, and outspoken support for Palestine, scores higher than Starmer among Reform voters on honesty, courage, and being “in touch with people like them.” Despite their differences in ideology, Reform voters seem to admire Corbyn’s consistency and boldness—traits they don’t see in Starmer.

Starmer’s carefully controlled image and centrist pivot have left many cold. He’s perceived as technocratic, bland, and unwilling to take risks. By contrast, Corbyn—while deeply polarizing—is viewed as principled and willing to challenge the system. Even voters who disagree with him politically seem to respect that.

Surprisingly, Corbyn’s vocal support for Palestinian rights doesn’t appear to alienate Reform voters, many of whom feel politically abandoned or ignored by mainstream parties. His positions, though leftist, are seen as authentic—a sharp contrast to Starmer’s more cautious and calculated leadership.

Ultimately, this reflects a deeper political shift: for many disillusioned voters, traditional left-vs-right labels are less important than a leader who seems real—and isn’t afraid to stand alone.

And right now, Corbyn fits that bill better than Starmer.

Why Reform UK Voters Prefer Jeremy Corbyn Over Keir Starmer

It sounds like a political paradox: Reform UK voters—largely right-wing, anti-establishment, and anti-“woke”—say they prefer Jeremy Corbyn, the former left-wing Labour leader, over current Labour leader Keir Starmer. But a recent Merlin Strategy poll reveals exactly that.

Corbyn, known for his anti-war stance, pro-worker policies, and outspoken support for Palestine, scores higher than Starmer among Reform voters on honesty, courage, and being “in touch with people like them.” Despite their differences in ideology, Reform voters seem to admire Corbyn’s consistency and boldness—traits they don’t see in Starmer.

Starmer’s carefully controlled image and centrist pivot have left many cold. He’s perceived as technocratic, bland, and unwilling to take risks. By contrast, Corbyn—while deeply polarizing—is viewed as principled and willing to challenge the system. Even voters who disagree with him politically seem to respect that.

Surprisingly, Corbyn’s vocal support for Palestinian rights doesn’t appear to alienate Reform voters, many of whom feel politically abandoned or ignored by mainstream parties. His positions, though leftist, are seen as authentic—a sharp contrast to Starmer’s more cautious and calculated leadership.

Ultimately, this reflects a deeper political shift: for many disillusioned voters, traditional left-vs-right labels are less important than a leader who seems real—and isn’t afraid to stand alone.

And right now, Corbyn fits that bill better than Starmer.

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