Nigel Farage, the prominent figure behind Reform UK, finds himself potentially isolated from his own voter base on the critical issue of taxing extreme wealth, according to exclusive new polling.
The data, commissioned by the thinktank Best for Britain and conducted by YouGov, reveals a significant disconnect between the leader's public statements and the views of those considering voting for his party.
A Surprising Consensus on Taxing the Wealthy
The survey of more than 3,000 potential Reform UK voters uncovered that 61% would support a one-off tax on UK households with a net wealth exceeding £10 million.
This stance puts them at odds with their party leader. Farage has consistently argued against such measures, warning that targeting higher earners and the wealthy could incentivise them to leave the UK.
Furthermore, the poll indicates strong support for windfall taxes on specific industries. Among Reform's potential supporters, 77% said they would back a windfall tax on energy companies, while 73% are in favour of a windfall tax on high bank profits.
Public Sentiment on Big Business
The polling also shed light on the generally critical view that pro-Reform voters hold towards these sectors. A total of 59% believe energy companies have a negative effect on the UK, with only 14% viewing their contribution as positive.
For banks, the figures were 40% negative and 12% positive. Rising gas and electricity bills, alongside executive bonuses, were cited as the primary reasons for this negative perception.
Interestingly, despite this criticism of specific industries, the cohort generally held a positive opinion of big business overall.
Farage "Out of Step" as Budget Looms
Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, stated that the findings demonstrate Nigel Farage is "out of step with the public and with his base" on this fundamental issue of fairness.
She argued that the data should give the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, confidence to pursue fair tax policies in the upcoming budget without fear of a broad public backlash.
"Reeves has permission from both the progressive left and the Reform-curious right to make tax fair, winning back voters and exposing Farage in the process," Smith said. "It is an opportunity they should not be afraid to grasp."
Support for these tax policies was found to be even more pronounced among voters leaning towards other parties. For a wealth tax, support stood at 82% for Labour backers, 81% for Liberal Democrats, 63% for Conservatives, and 85% for Greens.
