Nigel Farage's popularity has plummeted to its lowest level since the last General Election, with a new Opinium poll placing his approval rating at a devastating -27. The Reform UK leader now trails behind Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who tops the poll at -3, as scrutiny over Farage's finances continues to take a toll.
Poll reveals Farage's decline
The Opinium survey, conducted for the Observer, shows that more than half of British voters disapprove of Farage, leaving him second only to outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who sits at -45. Starmer is set to be replaced by Andy Burnham on July 20 after a by-election triggered by Labour MP Josh Simons' resignation. Burnham currently holds a rating of -8.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey stands at -5, while Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski is at -16. Farage's Reform UK party also saw its overall support dip by two points from last week to 24%, with Labour at 19% and the Conservatives at 18%.
Financial scandal and by-election
The poll comes days after Farage called a by-election in his own Clacton constituency, framing it as a "people versus the establishment" fight. This followed a parliamentary probe into a £5 million gift he received from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne. The by-election is scheduled for August 13, with major parties refusing to field candidates, leaving only author Jonathan Harvey, who runs as Count Binface, to stand. The Conservatives accused Farage of throwing a "hissy fit."
Opinium's James Crouch commented: "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."
