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PoliticsNigel Farage's approval rating plunges to -27, lowest of this parliament
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Nigel Farage's personal approval ratings have fallen sharply to minus 27, his lowest of this parliament, amid a row over his personal finances. Reform UK's opinion poll lead has also narrowed, dropping two points to 24%, according to Opinium. The controversy stems from Farage's failure to declare a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne before the 2024 election, and questions over financial support from convicted fraudster George Cottrell. Farage resigned as MP for Clacton to trigger a 'people versus the establishment' by-election, claiming a witch-hunt. Labour is now five points behind Reform on 19%, with the Tories on 18% and the Greens on 16%. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's ratings improved to minus 3, while Lib Dem leader Ed Davey is at minus 5 and PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham at minus 8. Opinium's James Crouch noted Farage looks 'politically vulnerable' for the first time this parliament.
Source report
Nigel Farage's personal approval ratings have dropped sharply as the ongoing row over his personal finances continues to dominate headlines, according to new polling data.
Reform UK's opinion poll lead has also narrowed, with research from pollsters Opinium showing a decline in support for the party.
By-Election Announcement and Standards Investigation
Farage has rarely been out of the news in recent days after he dramatically announced he was resigning as MP for Clacton to trigger a "people versus the establishment" by-election.
He has claimed he is the victim of a witch-hunt as Parliament's standards commissioner investigates his failure to declare a £5 million gift he received from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before the 2024 election.
Questions have also been raised over financial support Farage received from convicted fraudster George Cottrell before becoming an MP.
Polling Data
Opinium's latest poll, published on Saturday night, found:
- Reform UK: 24% (down 2 points in the past week)
- Labour: 19%
- Conservatives: 18%
- Greens: 16%
Farage's personal approval ratings have fallen sharply to minus 27, which Opinium described as "comfortably his lowest ratings of this parliament."
By contrast, other party leaders' ratings were:
- Kemi Badenoch (Conservative): minus 3
- Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat): minus 5
- Andy Burnham (Labour, PM-in-waiting): minus 8
Analyst Comment
Opinium's James Crouch said: "For the first time this parliament, Nigel Farage looks politically vulnerable.
"Reform's vote share has fallen into the low 20s, his personal ratings have hit a new low, and the standards row appears to be taking a real toll. The question now is whether Labour or the Conservatives can capitalise."
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Source
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Western
Part of this Story
Nigel Farage faces UK standards watchdog probes over undeclared donations and benefits