Reform UK Gains Popularity Among Gay and Bisexual Men

Recent polling data from More in Common indicates that Reform UK has emerged as the most popular political party in Britain among gay and bisexual men, garnering 25% support across all age groups. This figure places Reform six points ahead of the Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, and seven points ahead of the Labour Party. The survey, conducted at the end of last year and published recently, included nearly 9,000 adults from England, Wales, and Scotland. Nationally, Reform UK is reported to have a 30% vote share, leading both Labour and the Conservative Party by ten points.

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The party's appeal extends beyond the LGBTQ+ community; it is also the most favored choice among heterosexual males, with 33% support, significantly outpacing Labour and the Greens. Among heterosexual women, 29% intend to vote for Reform, compared to 23% for the Conservative Party and 18% for Labour. Notably, gay and bisexual women show a contrasting trend, with only 12% planning to support Reform, while 37% favor the Greens.

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The polling reveals that gay and bisexual men are among the most likely demographics to vote, with 59% stating they are "certain to vote" in the upcoming general election. In contrast, only 46% of gay and bisexual women express the same certainty. Additionally, just 9% of gay and bisexual men indicate they are "certain not to vote," compared to 15% of gay and bisexual women.

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The rise of Reform UK has not gone unnoticed within the LGBTQ+ community. Screenwriter Russell T. Davies has criticized the party, asserting that its ascent is contributing to a decline in gay rights in Britain. He urged the gay and queer communities to respond with "terror and anger" against Reform. Conversely, Darren Grimes, the party's deputy leader for Durham County Council and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, defended Reform, claiming it has a significant representation of gay individuals.

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Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has previously expressed his disapproval of the Conservative Party's decision to legalize same-sex marriage without including it in their manifesto. His comments have sparked debate about the party's stance on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly in light of its growing support among gay and bisexual men.

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• “we, the gay community, queer community, should be revolting in terror and anger” — Russell T. Davies, Screenwriter

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• “Reform UK has more gays in it than Heaven nightclub in London,” — Darren Grimes, Deputy Leader of Reform UK for Durham County Council

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The evolving political landscape in Britain reflects a significant shift in voter preferences, particularly among gay and bisexual men, as Reform UK continues to gain traction ahead of the next general election.

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