Support for Reform UK is driven more by ideology than by dissatisfaction with the state of the country, according to new research from the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey. The findings challenge the notion that backing for Nigel Farage's party is merely a 'protest' vote.
Polling expert Sir John Curtice described Reform supporters as 'deeply ideological', noting that the party has inspired a level of emotional attachment not seen from Labour or the Conservatives in decades. He added that while there may be a ceiling on the party's support, it could still be high enough to win a general election.
The survey found that Reform voters are most distinguished by their attitudes on cultural issues, such as migration and transgender rights. Three-quarters of Reform supporters said migrants undermine Britain's culture, compared to 35% of the general public. Additionally, 88% said equal opportunities for transgender people have gone too far, versus 48% overall.
While Reform supporters do express higher dissatisfaction with the NHS and their personal finances, the BSA indicates that cultural concerns are the stronger driver. Sir John traced the roots of the party's support to the 2016 Brexit vote, which he said was 'motivated by cultural questions of national identity, immigration, and pride in British history'.
The BSA survey, conducted annually since 1983, polled 4,656 people across the UK between August and October 2025. Sir John cautioned that Reform's future depends on whether it can continue to appeal to socially conservative voters.
