Labour Manifesto Promises: What Has Been Delivered?
Polling on whether voters believe key Labour pledges from the 2024 election manifesto have been honoured, are in progress, or have been broken.
Manifesto Promises: Full Tracker
May 2026Objective delivery status based on official data, combined with public polling verdict. Source: YouGov / Ipsos polling, May 2026.
| Manifesto Pledge | Status | Evidence | Polling Verdict | Public view |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cut NHS waiting lists | In progress | Waiting list still 7.5m; down from 7.8m peak. Elective reform plan published. | 64% not delivered | 36% say on track |
| Build 1.5m new homes | In progress | 180k homes built year 1 against 300k target. NPPF reformed, planning unlocked. | 42% on track | 38% behind schedule |
| No income tax rises | Kept | Income tax and NICs thresholds unchanged. Pledge technically honoured. | 67% say kept | 21% say employer NI breaks spirit |
| Renters Reform Act | Delivered | Renters Rights Act passed March 2025. No-fault evictions banned. | 58% aware | 71% of renters approve |
| Clean energy by 2030 | In progress | GB Energy launched. Record offshore wind capacity. On track per NESO analysis. | 61% support | 27% question cost |
| Reduce small boat crossings | Not delivered | Crossings up 22% year-on-year in 2024. Border Security Command established. | 71% not delivered | 16% trust Labour on this |
| Recruit 6,500 new teachers | In progress | 2,800 additional teachers in post year 1. Recruitment campaign active. | 44% aware / on track | 33% say schools still struggling |
| Workers rights reforms | Delivered | Employment Rights Bill passed. Day-one rights, flexible working default. | 62% support | 26% worried re business impact |
Pledge Status Summary
Based on 8 tracked pledges as of May 2026.
Analysis: Promise vs. Delivery Gap
Labour 2024 election manifesto contained over 100 specific pledges. Of the key promises tracked here, the clearest successes have been the Renters Rights Act (passed March 2025) and the Employment Rights Bill, both of which attracted strong public approval. The income tax freeze has been technically honoured, though 21% of voters believe the employer NI rise violates the spirit of the no-tax-rise pledge.
The most significant delivery shortfalls are on NHS waiting lists and small boat crossings. On the NHS, while waiting lists have fallen from their peak of 7.8 million, the figure remains at 7.5 million — a long way from the promise to clear the backlogs. Two thirds of voters (64%) say this pledge has not been delivered. On immigration, only 16% of voters trust Labour to reduce Channel crossings.
The housing pledge (1.5 million homes over five years) is the most structurally ambitious. With 180,000 homes built in year one against a 300,000-per-year target, the trajectory is difficult. However, planning reforms introduced in late 2024 are expected to boost supply from 2025 onwards, and 42% of voters believe the government is on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Labour manifesto promises have been kept?
Of the 8 key pledges tracked on this page, 2 have been delivered (Renters Rights Act, Employment Rights Bill), 4 are in progress, and 2 are not delivered (small boat crossings) or technically broken (VAT on private schools). Labour has kept the income tax freeze, though the employer NI rise is considered by many to breach the spirit of that pledge.
Is Labour on track for 1.5 million homes?
At 180,000 completions in year one against a 300,000-per-year target, Labour is currently behind pace. However, planning reform measures introduced in the NPPF revision of late 2024 are expected to unlock more development. 42% of voters think the target is achievable; 38% think the government is behind schedule.
What do voters think of the Renters Reform pledge?
The Renters Rights Act, which banned no-fault evictions and introduced new tenant protections, is known by 58% of voters. Among renters specifically, 71% approve of the legislation — making it one of the government most popular delivered pledges.