NHS Polling 2026: Who Do Voters Trust on Health?
68% of UK voters name the NHS a top priority. With 7.5 million on waiting lists, trust in all parties is under pressure.
Which Party Do Voters Trust on the NHS?
May 2026Polling question: "Which party do you trust most to handle the NHS?" Source: composite of YouGov, Ipsos, Survation polls, May 2026.
Key NHS Polling Numbers
Approval fallingContext & Analysis
Labour’s NHS Problem
Labour entered government in 2024 as the party voters most trusted on the NHS, a long-standing advantage. But with waiting lists still near record highs and satisfaction at historic lows, that lead is shrinking. The 2026 polling shows Labour still ahead at 31% — but Reform UK has climbed to 18%, drawing support from voters who want radical change rather than incremental reform.
Reform UK’s Healthcare Pitch
Reform UK’s rise on NHS trust polling reflects their pitch for NHS reform including private sector involvement and a zero-tolerance approach to management inefficiency. While traditional Labour voters remain sceptical, Reform’s 18% represents genuine competition — particularly among older voters in the Midlands and North who have experienced the longest waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which party do UK voters trust most on the NHS?
Labour leads on NHS trust at 31% in May 2026 polling, ahead of Reform UK (18%), Lib Dems (15%) and Conservatives (12%). However, 24% say they trust no party on the NHS, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the health service. See the Labour polling tracker for broader trends.
How many people are on NHS waiting lists?
An estimated 7.5 million patients are on NHS waiting lists as of May 2026. Labour promised to cut waiting lists as a central pledge, but progress has been slow due to staff shortages, post-pandemic demand backlogs and limited capital investment.
Do voters approve of the government’s NHS handling?
No. 62% of voters disapprove of how the government is handling the NHS, with only 19% approving. This is a significant drag on Labour’s overall approval ratings and is closely linked to the 78% of voters who say the NHS is “in crisis” or “struggling”.