Opinium/Spectator polling on Nigel Farage and the Clacton by-election
New polling from Opinium for The Spectator explores public opinion on Nigel Farage’s decision to resign as MP and trigger a by-election in Clacton, alongside wider attitudes towards the standards allegations surrounding him and his future as leader of Reform UK.
The research finds that while more people think Farage was right to call a by-election (44%) than wrong (31%), the public remains sceptical about his motivations. Two in five (42%) believe the move is primarily a political strategy to strengthen his position, while just 19% think it is mainly about allowing voters to judge his actions directly. The polling also shows that majorities find the allegations surrounding financial support unacceptable, are unconvinced by Farage’s defence, and believe Clacton should not re-elect him.
James Crouch, head of policy & public affairs research at Opinium said: “Calling the Clacton by-election may have shifted attention away from the standards investigation, but Farage’s defence appears to have failed to convince many voters. With more than half saying he should not be re-elected in Clacton, the gamble has yet to win over the public.”
See the full data tables here.
Research methodology
Opinium conducted an online survey of 2,050 UK adults aged 18+ between 7th and 10th July 2026. Results were weighted to be nationally and politically representative of the UK adult population.