Nigel Farage approval rating hits record low amid parliamentary probe

Nigel Farage’s approval rating has plummeted to its lowest level since the 2024 general election, with a net score of minus 27 percentage points, according to multiple polls. Over half of voters disapprove of his leadership, while only 25% approve, as investigations into undisclosed donations and ties to figures under legal scrutiny intensify. The decline coincides with a parliamentary standards probe into a £5m gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne and allegations that George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, funded Farage’s office and security staff.

The Opinium poll, cited across several outlets, found 52% of Britons disapprove of Farage’s performance, while only 25% approve. His net rating, which peaked at minus five in September 2025, has now fallen to its lowest level since the election. Reform UK’s support has also declined, with 24% of voters backing the party—down two points from the previous week. Despite this, Reform maintains a lead over Labour and the Conservatives in national polls, though the gap has narrowed.

Farage’s financial troubles stem from allegations he failed to declare a £5m gift from Harborne and support from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster. Cottrell, who was jailed in the U.S. In 2017, is accused of funding office costs and security for Farage’s team, including purchases made with his personal credit card. Reform UK has denied breaking rules, with party figures like Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick insisting the donations were not required to be disclosed. However, the controversy has intensified amid a parliamentary standards investigation and a separate probe by the Metropolitan Police into £500,000 in donations.

The fallout has spilled into a high-profile by-election in Clacton, where Farage resigned as MP to challenge voters directly. Major parties, including Labour, the Conservatives, and the Greens, have boycotted the contest, leaving him to face novelty candidates like Count Binface, a satirical character, and others dressed in eccentric costumes. A YouGov survey found 33% of adults prefer Count Binface over Farage, though prediction markets favor the Reform leader with a 92% chance of winning. Farage has framed the contest as a “people versus the establishment” battle, accusing opponents of using “foul means” to undermine him.

Polling also highlights growing dissatisfaction among Reform’s own base. A YouGov survey revealed Farage’s approval among voters who supported the party in 2024 has dropped sharply, with his net rating among them falling to minus 8. Meanwhile, his stance on international issues, including his defense of Donald Trump’s handling of Ukraine, has alienated some supporters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s popularity among Reform voters has surged, while Farage’s personal rating among the broader electorate fell to minus 39, with 65% viewing him unfavorably.

The scrutiny has also impacted Reform’s political strategy. While the party retains a lead in national polls, analysts suggest the financial controversies could jeopardize its chances of securing a parliamentary majority. Pollster Luke Tryl noted that while Farage’s true supporters remain loyal, the scrutiny has negatively affected his appeal to centrist voters, including some former Conservative backers. This group, critical for uniting the right-wing vote, may now view him as a liability, complicating efforts to challenge Labour or the Tories.

Farage has dismissed the criticism, blaming the “establishment” and media for a “coordinated” attack. He has also accused the press of harassing his family, calling the by-election a test of public trust. However, the contest has become a farcical spectacle, with Farage’s opponents including a wildlife campaigner in a fox costume and a self-proclaimed “intergalactic space warrior.” Despite the chaos, his party’s resilience in polls underscores the enduring appeal of his anti-establishment rhetoric, even as his personal standing continues to decline.