The impact of Nigel Farage on British politics has been significant, especially in the recent weeks leading up to the election. According to the latest polls, both the Conservatives and Labour have seen a decrease in support, while Reform UK, led by Farage, has gained popularity.
In seven polls conducted this week, the Conservatives are averaging at 20%, which is a four-point decrease from the beginning of the campaign. Similarly, Labour’s support has fallen to 41%, three points lower than earlier. Despite these drops, Labour still maintains a lead of around 20 points.
Reform UK, on the other hand, has seen a significant increase in support, averaging at 16% in the polls this week, up by five points since the start of the election. While there have been some discrepancies in the polls, Reform UK seems to be gaining ground, with one survey putting them ahead of the Tories for the first time.
The rise of Reform UK is concerning for the Conservatives, as most of their support comes from former Conservative voters. With Reform UK now standing in more constituencies than its predecessor, the Brexit Party, in 2019, they are likely to draw votes away from the Conservatives in key battlegrounds.
Nigel Farage’s decision to lead Reform UK has boosted the party’s support, with a three-point increase noted after his announcement. This surge in popularity, coupled with the Liberal Democrats also gaining a few points in the polls, has put pressure on both the Conservatives and Labour.
The recent shifts in support highlight the importance of paying attention to smaller parties in the election campaign. While the focus has been on the Conservatives and Labour attacking each other, the rise of Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats shows that other parties cannot be ignored.
As the campaign progresses, it will be interesting to see how the dynamics change and if the major parties adjust their strategies to address the challenge posed by smaller parties like Reform UK. The impact of Nigel Farage on British politics is undeniable, and his presence in this election has added a new dimension to the political landscape.