More than two-thirds of the British think their country is "supposed". More and more citizens are looking for an alternate to major political parties, and the consequence to social frustration is the UK improvement – a group led by Nigel Farage, known for his hard views on immigration, the economy and national identity.
According to a survey poll published by The Sun, as many as 68% of respondents believe that Britain is in a state of crisis. Only 23 percent are opposed and 9 percent have no opinion. This is simply a disturbing signal for the political establishment, which for decades alternately held power – the Conservative organization and the Labour Party.
The main sufferings of the British are clear and well-known – above all, the crisis of the cost of living, which indicated 53 percent of the respondents as the most crucial problem. Immigration (35%), wellness services (32%), the economy (28%) and crime (23%) were followed.
It is worth noting that as much as 32% of respondents believe that this approach to immigration needs the deepest change. This is followed by the public wellness service NHS (31%) and the economical situation of the country (18%). This shows the scale of dissatisfaction not only with current surviving conditions, but besides with the direction in which state institutions are going.
Increase in UK improvement – the effect of disappointment with the main parties
Against the background of a widespread sense of disappointment, the UK improvement notes an awesome increase in support. The group, which inactive had 18% in the polls last year, now reaches 30%. This is simply a immense leap, especially in the context of the declines noted by the Labour Party, which fell from 39% to 27%, despite remaining the ruling party.
Farage's organization begins to be seen as a viable alternative. As many as 44% of respondents consider the UK improvement to be the biggest threat to the left-wing government, while only 26% think so about conservatives. This means that the conventional political division axis – Conservatives versus Labourers – loses its importance. Farage and his group start playing the first violin.
Farage as leader – strong message and clear identity
26 percent pointed to Nigel Farage on the question which would be the best prime minister, while the incumbent Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gained 25 percent. Even little is the fresh leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, which was supported by only 12% of the respondents.
Farage besides leads the question of who is the “stronger leader” – his advantage over Starmer is 9 percent points (35 to 26 percent). Even greater differences can be seen on circumstantial political topics. For example, Farage has an 18-point advantage over the Prime Minister on immigration. In the area of ‘radical decisions’, he gains an advantage of 15 points, and as a individual who ‘best represents the interests of the working class’ – 8 points.
Many political commentators point out that Farage effectively fills the gap left by conventional parties who have been trying to balance between the centre's message and extremes for years. As a result, less and less voters feel represented by them.
Farage builds its message around respective simple but expressive slogans: border control, national pride, lower taxes, stronger state. This kind of communicative is peculiarly addressed to voters from smaller cities and post-industrial areas, where the sense of marginalization and abandonment by elites is peculiarly strong.
Local election test for UK Reform
On 1 May there will be local elections in England, during which more than 1,600 councillors will be elected. Although these are not national elections, they are an crucial test of social sentiment. According to current forecasts, the UK improvement can gain as many as 29 percent of the vote, ahead of the Conservative organization (24 percent) and the Labour organization (20 percent).
If the forecasts are confirmed, it will be the first real signal that the UK improvement ceases to be just a "party of protest" and becomes a serious player on the British political scene.
Can UK improvement win parliamentary elections?
Although the way to win in the general election is inactive long and bumpy, the UK improvement has a real chance to accomplish a two-digit percent on a national scale. The British electoral strategy (major, single-mandate) does not favour tiny parties, but much support in circumstantial districts can bring Farage even a fewer seats in parliament – and that is adequate to influence national policy.
All indications are that the next fewer months will be crucial. If the current trend continues, Nigel Farage and the UK's Reforms could undermine Britain's current political order.
