Nigel Farage's Return Boosts Support for Reform UK Party

Support for Britain's Reform UK party has surged close to the ruling Conservatives following Nigel Farage's leadership takeover and decision to stand in the July 4 election. A YouGov poll shows Reform at 17%, Conservatives at 19%, and Labour leading with 40%. Farage's return complicates Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's chances by splitting the right-of-centre vote, potentially benefiting Labour.

Support for Britain's Reform UK party has surged to just two percentage points behind the ruling Conservatives following Nigel Farage's decision to take over leadership and stand in the July 4 election, according to a YouGov opinion poll published on Wednesday.

The poll indicates that Farage's return has further complicated Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's chances of maintaining power by splitting the right-of-centre vote, potentially benefiting Keir Starmer's centre-left Labour Party.

The poll, conducted entirely after Farage's return to frontline politics on Monday, shows Reform at 17%, the Conservatives at 19%, and Labour leading with 40%.

YouGov noted that changes to their methodology did not affect the increase in support for Reform, which saw a three percentage point rise under both the old and new methods.

Farage, who has unsuccessfully stood for parliament seven times, remains an influential figure, particularly on issues regarding the European Union and immigration.

He is running for election in Clacton-on-Sea, where his campaign launch highlighted his divisive impact, with supporters cheering and opponents throwing a milkshake at him.

Despite the close poll numbers, Reform's support is more evenly distributed across the country, and the lack of proportional representation in Britain's electoral system means the party is not expected to win many parliamentary seats.

The Conservatives are leveraging this in their campaign, urging voters to avoid splitting the right-wing vote and thus aiding Labour's chances.