Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is currently topping national opinion polls, despite facing intense criticism over its policy platform and a series of damaging internal scandals. Exclusive Deltapoll research from last week places the party at 30%, ahead of Labour on 20% and the Conservatives on 19%.
Policy Platform Under Fire
The party's proposed policies, which include mass deportations, significant tax cuts for the wealthiest, and the abandonment of net zero targets, have drawn sharp condemnation. Trade unions have issued stark warnings that these plans would lead to substantial job losses across the country. Furthermore, Mr Farage has yet to provide detailed clarification on which public services would bear the brunt of the party's proposed spending cuts, estimated to be nearly £300 billion.
This polling surge comes despite Labour entering government just last year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged that 2026 will be the year Britain turns "renewal into reality," with several major policies scheduled. These include an increase in neighbourhood policing, the lifting of the two-child benefit cap, a freeze on rail fares, and a planned reduction in energy bills.
A Year of Internal Crisis for Reform
Despite its polling success, 2025 has been a turbulent period for Reform UK. The party lost two of its MPs, Rupert Lowe and James McMurdock, and Mr Farage has faced pressure to dismiss other members of his team. The party has been embroiled in multiple racism controversies.
MP Sarah Pochin faced severe backlash over comments she made about ethnic minorities in advertisements. More significantly, Mr Farage himself has been interrogated over racist and antisemitic allegations stemming from his time at school. In December, 25 former pupils and one ex-teacher collectively expressed their "dismay and anger" at his reaction to these claims.
In a powerful joint letter, the 26 signatories stated it was "false" to suggest their allegations were politically motivated, noting they "represent a broad swathe of professional backgrounds and political opinions." They said Mr Farage's recent denial "disturbs us" and emphasised the importance of those seeking high office owning their past.
Legal Troubles and Denials
Mr Farage has repeatedly denied all allegations, with Reform UK characterising them as a politically motivated smear campaign. Adding to the party's legal woes, in November, Nathan Gill, Reform's former leader in Wales, was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison. His conviction was for accepting bribes to promote pro-Russian lines in interviews and speeches during his time in the European Parliament.
The combination of radical policy proposals, internal discord, and serious allegations against its leader presents a complex picture as Reform UK heads into 2026 with significant, yet volatile, public support.
