UK voters skeptical of Nigel Farage's anti-establishment claims, poll finds

Key facts

• A majority of UK voters are skeptical of Nigel Farage's claims that the political establishment is out to get him.
• 44 percent of UK voters disagree that Farage is a victim of the political establishment, while 28 percent believe he is.
• 48 percent of respondents believe Farage's by-election bid is a "silly political move," compared to 29 percent who think it's "smart."
• 56 percent disapprove of the by-election bid, viewing it as a pointless waste of time and money.
• Voters rated Count Binface as more trustworthy (33 percent to 22 percent) and likeable (35 percent to 28 percent) than Farage.

New polling suggests that a majority of British voters are skeptical of Nigel Farage's narrative that the political establishment is targeting him. The research, conducted by Public First for POLITICO, indicates that voters view his decision to resign his Clacton seat and trigger a by-election as a pointless waste of time and money.

The survey found that 44 percent of UK voters disagree with the claim that Farage is a victim of the political establishment, while 28 percent believe he is. Support for this claim is strongest among those who intend to vote Reform, but weaker among Conservative voters.

Respondents also largely viewed Farage's by-election bid as a "silly political move," with 48 percent holding this view compared to 29 percent who considered it "smart." A significant 56 percent disapproved of the election bid, deeming it a waste of resources, while only 27 percent saw it as a worthwhile democratic process. Furthermore, 45 percent believe the move will damage Farage's image, versus 27 percent who think it will aid his reputation.

Adding to the skepticism, 48 percent of respondents believe there are more reasons to doubt Farage's integrity than most other politicians. In a notable finding, voters rated the satirical candidate Count Binface as more trustworthy (33 percent to 22 percent) and likeable (35 percent to 28 percent) than Farage, despite acknowledging that Farage better understands local issues in Clacton.