Nigel Farage's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since the general election, a new poll by Opinium has found, amid scrutiny over his finances. The survey showed Farage's rating at -27, with more than half of voters disapproving of the Reform UK leader and only a quarter approving.
This marks his lowest rating of the current Parliament, placing him behind all major party leaders except outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who polled at -45. In comparison, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's rating improved to -3, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey remained at -5, and Green leader Zack Polanski rose slightly to -16. Andy Burnham, who is expected to become Labour leader and Prime Minister on July 20, registered -8.
Reform UK's popularity has also declined, with the party's vote share falling to its lowest point since early January of the previous year. The latest Opinium poll indicates Reform is supported by 24 percent of voters, a two-point decrease from the previous week, representing the party's weakest result in an Opinium poll in over 18 months. Labour garnered 19 percent support, followed by the Conservatives at 18 percent, the Greens at 16 percent, and the Liberal Democrats at 12 percent.
Farage has triggered a by-election in the Clacton seat he won during the 2024 general election. This decision comes amidst a parliamentary standards probe into a £5 million gift he received from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne and questions regarding support from George Cottrell, who has a criminal conviction.
Farage has stated his intention to contest the by-election, scheduled for August 13, as a "people versus the establishment" campaign. However, other political parties have criticized the move, with some boycotting the contest, leaving comedian Count Binface as his most prominent opponent.
The Opinium poll identified Farage's weakest ratings in trustworthiness (-32), appearing as a potential prime minister (-26), and being trusted to make significant decisions (-24).
James Crouch of Opinium commented on the findings, stating, "For the first time this Parliament, Nigel Farage looks politically vulnerable." He added that Reform's vote share has decreased, Farage's personal ratings have hit a new low, and the standards row appears to be impacting his standing. Crouch raised the question of whether the Labour or Conservative parties can capitalize on this situation.