Keir Starmer has lost a lot of trust in his short time as prime minister. These days, the level of confidence of British citizens in the ruling Labour Party and Keir Starmer is rapidly declining. In this situation, a good opportunity has arisen for the rise of right-wing populist parties in the UK. Polls show a rise in support for the Reform UK party. Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK Party, has enjoyed a surge in popularity. This article examines the crisis of public trust in the mainstream parties and their increasing support for right-wing populist parties.
Starmer’s lousy situation in winning the trust of the British public
Things could hardly be worse for Keir Starmer. Since the Labour Party won the general election in July and Starmer became the prime minister, he has lost a lot of trust. The crisis began when the UK government cancelled winter benefits for ten million needy pensioners. Starmer’s government later abandoned the Conservative austerity policies. Starmer’s government again offered more benefits to families with more than two children. With his unexpected tax hikes, Starmer has alienated small businesses, farmers, and local councils nationwide. He soon forced his chief of staff, Sue Gray, to resign after reports surfaced that he was being paid too much.
Labour’s lack of a plan to reform Britain
On the EU, Starmer has tried to distance himself from a proposal for a fresh start in relations with Brussels. He has done so for fear of being accused of trying to take his country back into the EU. The unresolved immigration issue remains a burden. Starmer has also created unrest with vague plans and hesitant steps in the social sector. The fact that Starmer has no vision for his country and responds only to new challenges at home and abroad with Conservative prescriptions has dangerously weakened his reputation over the winter.
Labour supporters fail to vote for Starmer.
Labour’s frequently revised goals have subsequently led to ridicule and distrust of the British. His ever-new declarations have little appeal unless the fundamental change Labour promises leads to significantly better living conditions for citizens. Meanwhile, Labour supporters are incredibly nervous about this. The party’s voter turnout is declining daily. According to the latest polls, the party can count on no more than a quarter of voters.
Rise of right-wing populist parties in the UK
Labour has constantly been ridiculed for its frequent goal adjustments and poor communication. According to polls, we are witnessing the rise of right-wing populist parties in the UK. The average poll rating for the Reform UK party is now over 20 per cent. The number of party members is constantly growing, and more prominent conservatives are turning to him. With 400 local councils, the party is beginning to build a permanent presence in the political arena. The Reform UK Party took many of the Conservatives’ votes in the July general election. Taking a hardline anti-immigration stance, the party has recently made further gains in the polls.
The Conservatives’ failure to regain political ground
The Conservative Party’s failure to regain ground after its heavy election defeat in the summer played a significant role in Britain’s rise of the right wing. Instead of taking advantage of the Labour Party’s downward trend, the Conservatives have yet to choose a clear and correct path for themselves. These issues have led to right-wing populist parties in the UK. Of the politicians, only Nigel Farage has recently gained a steady following. However, due to the peculiarities of British electoral law, the right-wing Reform UK Party only has five representatives in the House of Commons. It won more than four million votes in the election.
Reform UK Party’s popularity rises in polls.
The rise of right-wing populist parties in the UK is evident in the polls. The Times, citing research by the think tank More in Common, reported that the British Labour Party, which won the parliamentary elections in the summer and came to power, would lose almost 200 of its seats in parliament, its absolute majority, if the election were held today. According to the Times, of the 411 seats that the Labour Party won in the summer election, it would lose 87 seats to the Conservatives, 67 seats to the right-wing populist party Reform UK and 26 seats to the Scottish National Party. If the election were held, the traditionally pro-Labour constituencies taken back from the Conservatives in the summer would be almost completely lost.
Farage seeks to improve his party’s position through relations with Trump.
The Reform UK Party is currently in a relatively weak financial position. Nigel Farage plans to use his good relationship with Donald Trump to advance his party’s goals. Meanwhile, some media outlets have reported that Elon Musk plans to give Farage $100 million soon. He sees himself as a favourite of Trump, the president-elect of the United States, and as London’s future liaison with Washington. Farage has long introduced himself as a big fan of Donald Trump, the future president of the United States, who he has met with many times.
Elon Musk’s financial donation to the Reform UK Party
News has been released about the decisions of American billionaire Elon Musk to support the Reform UK Party. British media recently reported that Musk wants to donate large sums of money to right-wing populists in Britain. Accordingly, almost 100 million euros will be donated. Nick Candy, Reform UK’s treasurer, which broke away from the Conservatives, said that the Reform Party would be happy to receive money from Musk. The party’s leader, Nigel Farage, has also spoken about accepting money from Musk but has not denied it. He said he talked with Musk about donating money to the British Reform Party.
Preparing Farage to become the next UK Prime Minister
The British are increasingly turning away from both main parties. Starmer’s party is more aware than ever of how much it needs the consolidation of the Labour Party and the government’s rapid successes in this situation. Farage no longer doubts that, given the growing dissatisfaction among the public with the government parties, he can bring about a real revolution in British politics in the next few years. Nigel Farage already sees himself as the next Prime Minister. The signs are perfect for his success at the moment. If Starmer loses, it will reinforce the belief of many voters that none of the old parties can improve the situation in this country. Nigel Farage is already preparing himself for this scenario. So, given these assumptions, the rise of right-wing populist parties in the UK is inevitable.
