Nigel Farage’s ratings plummet to lowest level since the general election amid finances row – while Reform UK’s popularity also sinks
Nigel Farage’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since the general election, a new poll has revealed, amid controversy over the Reform UK leader’s finances.
The Opinium poll showed Mr Farage’s rating fell sharply to -27, with more than half of voters disapproving of the Reform leader and just a quarter approving.
This was easily his lowest score in this Parliament, placing him behind all major party leaders except outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer (-45).
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s rating rose to -3, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey remained at -5 and Greens leader Zack Polanski rose slightly to -16.
Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who will be appointed Labor leader and Prime Minister to replace Sir Keir on July 20, was at -8.
There was further bad news for Mr Farage as the poll revealed that Reform’s vote share had fallen to its lowest level since the beginning of January last year.
His party was supported by 24 per cent of voters – a two-point drop on last week – which was Reform’s weakest result in the Opinium poll in more than 18 months.
Labor was supported by 19 percent of voters, the Conservatives 18 percent, the Greens 16 percent and the Liberal Democrats 12 percent.
Nigel Farage’s approval rating falls to its lowest since the general election amid row over the Reform UK leader’s finances
There was further bad news for Mr Farage, with Opinium polling revealing that Reform’s vote share had fallen to its lowest level since early January last year.
Opinium’s James Crouch said: ‘For the first time in this Parliament, Nigel Farage looks politically vulnerable’
Mr Farage has triggered a significant by-election in the seat of Clacton, which he won in the 2024 general election.
It comes as parliamentary standards are under scrutiny for the £5 million gift she received from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.
The reform leader also faces questions over the support reportedly provided to him by convicted criminal George Cottrell.
Mr Farage has vowed to fight the ‘order against the people’ by-election on August 13 amid intense scrutiny of his personal finances.
But other parties accused Mr Farage of staging a ‘rapid vigil’ and boycotted the contest; which left comedy hopeful Count Binface as his primary rival.
The Opinium poll found Mr Farage’s weakest ratings were for being trustworthy (-32), appearing like a prime minister-in-waiting (-26) and being trusted to make big decisions (-24).
Opinium’s James Crouch said: ‘For the first time in this Parliament, Nigel Farage looks politically vulnerable.
‘Reform’s vote share has fallen into the low 20s, their personal ratings have hit new lows and the standards debate looks to be taking a real serious hit.
‘The question now is whether Labor or the Conservatives can benefit from the capital.’
