Reform"s Popularity Drops Amid Political Shifts

According to a recent YouGov poll, the popularity of the Reform party in the United Kingdom has decreased by two percentage points in just one week, marking its lowest approval rating in eight months. This decline in support comes on the heels of significant political developments, including the defection of prominent politician Nadim Zahawi from the Conservative Party to Reform.

Key Details

The YouGov poll, released on January 13, 2026, indicates a notable shift in public sentiment towards the Reform party, which has seen its popularity dwindle to levels not recorded since May 2025. The specific reasons for this decline have not been detailed in the poll results, but the timing coincides with Zahawi"s recent switch in political allegiance.

Nadim Zahawi, who has been a controversial figure in British politics, previously served as a minister responsible for the rollout of digital vaccine passports during the COVID-19 pandemic. His political career has been marked by several notable positions and statements that have drawn both support and criticism. Among his controversial views, Zahawi has advocated for a blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants, arguing that such measures could benefit the UK economy by allowing for higher immigrant birth rates. He has claimed that these birth rates could help the UK economy compete with Germany"s.

Additionally, Zahawi has expressed the view that immigration is beneficial as it enables individuals from countries like Somalia to send remittances back home, thus supporting their families and contributing to their home economies. He has also publicly supported the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, stating that it is "incumbent upon" the British public to back the cause, which has been a subject of intense debate in the UK. Furthermore, Zahawi has been an advocate for the COVID-19 vaccine for children, emphasizing the importance of vaccination during the pandemic.

Background

Nadim Zahawi"s defection from the Conservative Party to Reform is significant in the current political landscape of the UK. His move may reflect broader trends within the Conservative Party and the shifting dynamics of voter support. The Reform party, which has positioned itself as a right-wing alternative to the Conservatives, has been attempting to capitalize on discontent among voters regarding immigration and other social issues.

The recent YouGov poll results suggest that despite the high-profile addition of Zahawi, the Reform party has not managed to maintain or increase its popularity. This decline could indicate a disconnect between the party"s messaging and public sentiment, particularly in light of Zahawi"s controversial stances on immigration and social issues.

Image for Reform"s popularity drops two points to lowest in eight months, YouGov poll shows

What"s Next

The implications of this drop in popularity for the Reform party could be significant as the UK approaches future elections. Political analysts will be closely monitoring how Zahawi"s defection impacts the party"s strategy and voter outreach efforts. The party may need to reassess its platform and messaging to better align with public opinion, particularly on contentious issues such as immigration and social justice.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Reform party"s ability to navigate these challenges will be critical in determining its future viability as a political force in the UK. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as both the Reform party and the Conservative Party respond to shifting voter sentiments.

For more on related political developments, see our coverage of recent developments in international politics.