Overview
- An Ipsos UK poll of 2,185 people aged 16 and over in Great Britain in April found 54% feel powerless to bring about change.
- Powerlessness is highest among Reform UK supporters at 72%, exceeding non-voters at 66% and levels among Conservatives (59%), Liberal Democrats (52%) and Labour supporters (42%).
- Only one in four respondents say political involvement changes how the UK is run, down from one in three in 2018.
- The share who think public services are ready to listen to complaints has fallen from 49% in 2002 to 26% this year, with experts warning of a spiral into disengagement and reduced willingness to pay taxes.
- KCL’s Bobby Duffy says people who feel they have little to lose may back a newer, more radical party, as Reform UK holds four MPs and promotes itself as a fast-growing movement.