Nigel Farage's approval rating hits historic low amid donation scandal

An Opinium poll found that Nigel Farage’s personal approval rating fell to minus 27, the lowest level since the 2024 general election. The drop coincides with a parliamentary standards investigation into a more‑than‑£5 million gift from Thailand‑based cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne and earlier financial support from convicted fraudster George Cottrell.

The scandal has also narrowed Reform UK’s lead in opinion polls, with the party now at 24% support, behind Labour (19%), the Conservatives (18%) and the Greens (16%). Opinium’s James Crouch said, “For the first time this parliament, Nigel Farage looks politically vulnerable.”

Following the row, Farage resigned as MP for Clacton to trigger a “people versus the establishment” by‑election. Major parties have declined to contest the seat, leaving Farage to face novelty candidates such as Count Binface, Mr Fishfinger and others.