Surge in Support for Nigel Farage Among WASPI Women
Nigel Farage has experienced a significant wave of support from WASPI women following Labour’s announcement last week that they would not be providing compensation for those affected by changes to the pension age.
A comprehensive survey involving 11,000 women born in the 1950s has revealed that Reform UK has become the most favored political party within this demographic. Currently, 24% of these women express their intention to support Mr. Farage’s party, which marks a nine-point increase compared to their voting intentions during the July elections. In contrast, Labour’s support has plummeted from 30% at the elections to a mere 7% today. The Conservative Party has also seen a decline, dropping from 18% to 13%.
Challenges for Reform UK
This poll represents another achievement for Mr. Farage, who is now regularly polling on par with notable political figures such as Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch. However, there may be disillusionment among WASPI women who back Reform UK, as sources inform the Express that the party does not endorse compensation for this group. A party insider suggested that maintaining credibility, particularly regarding spending, is crucial for Reform UK as they prepare for the 2029 general election.
Among the political spectrum, only the Liberal Democrats have committed to a compensation policy for WASPI women. Deputy leader Daisy Cooper has threatened Labour with a parliamentary vote that could lead to significant rebellion within the party. Ms. Cooper is calling on Labour to submit their stance to a vote, warning that if Labour fails to act, the LibDems might initiate their own motion.
Unrest Among Labour MPs
A significant number of Labour MPs—up to 100—are reportedly “deeply unhappy” with the recent announcement made by Liz Kendall, which ruled out compensation despite prior assurances from many senior party members to address this injustice. Insiders within the party are said to be “stunned” by the public criticism arising from the new intake of MPs towards Sir Keir and Liz Kendall’s decisions.
If the Liberal Democrats successfully challenge Labour, as many as 100 Labour MPs could pass a vote against the Government’s decision to forgo the £10 billion needed to compensate WASPI women. Prominent Labour figure Diane Abbott has been leading the charge, vocally opposing the Prime Minister’s stance during a Newsnight appearance.
Voices of Concern
Abbott did not hold back, stating: “He doesn’t [understand how the WASPI women feel]. The thing about Keir is he’s only been in the party a relatively short period of time. He was DPP until 2014 during which time he couldn’t be a member of the party.”
She continued, highlighting Starmer’s political journey: “Then he got parachuted into Holborn and St Pancras; because it was a safe seat, he didn’t have to fight for that. He has no feel for politics. Now he might say, ‘I’ve got a great feel for politics because I smashed people like you.’ But he’s got no feel for politics; he doesn’t understand how they feel. Remember he’s on his big fat DPP pension. What does he know about ageing women who really will depend on the state pension?”
To date, Sir Keir Starmer has remained firm in his refusal to allow a vote on the matter, citing the unaffordability of the tens of billions in compensation that the WASPI women are requesting.
