Farage’s growing Reform UK movement faces a serious obstacle—his unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump

Nigel Farage may be riding a political wave, but his biggest problem isn’t Labour, the Conservatives, or even Reform UK’s controversial policies—it’s Donald Trump.

Since securing his long-coveted parliamentary seat and leading Reform UK to surge in the polls, Farage has positioned himself as the voice of discontent in British politics. Many see him as “authentic” and “straight-talking,” a stark contrast to the traditional political elite. But the very qualities that have made him popular may now threaten his ambitions, thanks to his close ties to the former US president.

Polling suggests that while Reform UK’s base may embrace the comparison, the wider electorate recoils. Half of Britons believe “Britain’s Trump” is a fitting label for Farage, yet only 19% disagree. Among Reform voters, 54% approve of the association, but that figure plummets to just 18% among the general public. Worse still, nearly half—49%—think Farage is “in Trump’s pocket,” a perception that could severely limit his party’s appeal.

The problem extends beyond personal branding. Trump remains deeply unpopular in the UK, with only 28% of Britons saying they would have voted for him over Kamala Harris. When focus groups in Llanelli and Doncaster—composed of Labour voters now considering Reform—were asked about Farage’s connection to Trump, their reactions were clear: Trump is seen as reckless and unpredictable, traits that many voters fear could bring more chaos to Britain. With memories of Brexit’s turmoil still fresh, the public is wary of another disruptive force at the helm.

But the Trump problem doesn’t stop there—it bleeds into policy, where Reform UK is increasingly out of step with public opinion. Farage’s party has taken a hard stance against net zero policies, framing them as costly and ineffective. Yet polling shows that at least half of Britons are concerned about climate change. In Farage’s own Clacton constituency, the number jumps to 68%. Across the country, voters back investment in renewables by a six-to-one margin. Even among Reform supporters, twice as many prefer investment in renewables over rejecting them outright. Farage and his deputy Richard Tice, who has floated a tax on renewables, risk alienating a public that sees energy security and environmental action as priorities.

Ukraine is another major fault line. While Trump has consistently undermined support for Ukraine, Britain remains steadfast in its backing. Seven in ten Reform voters believe defending Ukraine is important, aligning them with the wider public. But Trump’s dismissive stance on Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his open admiration for Vladimir Putin contrast sharply with UK sentiment. Just 13% of Britons agree with Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy is a “dictator.” The majority blame Trump and JD Vance, not Zelenskyy, for the latest diplomatic crisis between the US and Ukraine.

Farage’s challenge is clear—if he wants to continue Reform UK’s momentum and move beyond being a protest party, he must reassure voters rather than shock them. His provocative style may win headlines, but it could cost him the broader support needed to truly threaten the political establishment.

For now, Farage has a decision to make: will he continue embracing Trumpian rhetoric, or will he distance himself to win over sceptical British voters? If he chooses the former, he may soon find that his greatest political ally is also his biggest liability.

THE NEW EUROPEAN

Nigel Farage’s unwavering support for Donald Trump appears to be costing Reform UK, as Keir Starmer’s firm stance on Ukraine boosts Labour in the polls. Farage broke his silence on the White House row, refusing to criticise Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their public humiliation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking to LBC, Farage dismissed the controversy as “irrelevant,” avoiding direct criticism of Trump’s handling of the crisis. Meanwhile, Starmer’s leadership—hosting Zelenskyy in London and committing £1.6bn in aid—has strengthened his position, leading to a shift in voter sentiment. Reform’s appeal, already fragile beyond its core base, risks erosion as Farage’s perceived deference to Trump aligns him with an unpredictable White House. With UK voters increasingly wary of Trump’s erratic diplomacy, Farage’s reluctance to distance himself could cost him support, particularly among those concerned about national security and Britain’s global standing.

THE CRITIC

This article takes a sharp, satirical jab at Nigel Farage’s loyalty to Donald Trump, particularly in the wake of Trump’s Oval Office row with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It paints Farage as an eager Trump sycophant, hesitant to criticise the US president even as his actions destabilise Ukraine’s position. The piece highlights Farage’s reluctance to distance himself from Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, mocking his justification of controversial gestures and his dismissive stance on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer is portrayed as a strategic player, carefully maintaining ties with both Trump and Zelenskyy, securing cross-party backing in Parliament. The article suggests Starmer’s pragmatism—however cynical—has strengthened his position, while Farage risks alienating voters by appearing too subservient to Washington. With Farage’s Reform UK still polling strongly, the question remains: will his Trump allegiance cost him support, or will his calculated deference pay off in political influence?