The Labour Party is rolling out a “big switch” to its electoral strategy as opinion polls suggest Sir Keir Starmer could hemorrhage hundreds of seats at the next General Election.

Strategists have adopted an “incumbency first” model to protect sitting MPs in 2029, giving up hope on snatching new seats from Reform or the Tories.

Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell told MPs that organisers will offer workshops on how to “take credit” for improvements in the local area.

She also urged Labour MPs to stop infighting amid continued discontent with Sir Keir’s leadership.

“It’s a big switch organisationally and politically,” a Labour source told The Guardian.

“There’s tools and training the party is providing but Lucy and Anna Turley [the Labour Party Chairwoman] are leading some political work about what else is needed and how MPs can support and share best practice.”

However, the change in strategy came just hours before YouGov revealed Labour had slumped to third in the opinion polls.

Labour’s support has halved since the 2024 General Election, collapsing from 34 per cent to just 17 per cent.

The Tories edged out Labour for second with 19 per cent of the vote, putting them seven points behind Reform UK.

Sir Keir’s Labour is also facing a challenge from the Liberal Democrats and Greens, with the progressive parties receiving 16 and 15 per cent respectively.