British citizens are now associating "Reform" with a party that prioritizes corporate interests.
In the current political landscape of Britain, discontent and pessimism are palpable. A new poll reveals deep and severe pessimism among British voters about the UK economy, with a majority (53%) believing things are set to get worse over the next 12 months. This pessimism is reflected in the promise of each generation being better off than the one before, a promise that is fading fast in today's Britain.
The latest City AM / Freshwater Strategy Poll finds that a majority (52%) of British voters believe they will be no better off or worse off financially than their parents were over their lifetime. Incomes continue to stagnate, and access to wealth-building housing has become out of reach for younger generations. These factors have led to a significant number of Britons, particularly younger ones and those residing in London, considering moving abroad. Around 22% of young Brits have spent time looking into the possibility of leaving the country.
However, a notable portion of young Britons (41%) remain optimistic about Britain's future, believing that its best days lie ahead. This optimism is less prevalent among voters of Reform UK, with only 41% agreeing that Britain's best days are ahead.
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has become a significant player in the political arena. It is now seen as a 'none of the above' party, a place where past Labour and Tory voters can park their vote in protest. Reform UK is polling at its highest share of the vote since the City AM / Freshwater Strategy poll began in January, with 33% compared to Labour's 22% and the Conservatives' 18%.
Nigel Farage, currently politically active in the United Kingdom as the leader of the right-wing populist party Reform UK, is campaigning strongly on migration and border control issues. He is perceived by voters as best placed to understand how to support the needs of businesses in the UK. Despite this, his personal approval stands at -4.
Not everyone is ready to leave Britain, though. A majority (61%) prefer to stay in Britain and change things for the better rather than leave. Among those who wish to stay, City AM editor-in-chief, Christian May, shares the view that Britain is a poor country that thinks it's a rich one. A plurality (41%) of British voters agree with this sentiment.
The City AM / Freshwater Strategy Poll also reveals that almost three quarters (72%) of voters are not confident in the government's plan to achieve economic growth. This lack of confidence is reflected in the growing number of Brits planning to leave the country, with approximately one million Brits actively planning to leave in the next year.
In the anticipated elections as early as 2027, Nigel Farage aims to become Prime Minister. With his party's growing popularity and the prevailing discontent among British voters, the political landscape could see significant changes in the coming years.
