Reform's Rise: The New Face of Britain's Working-Class Rage

What a difference a year makes in British politics. The Labour government's handling of protests outside migrant hotels last summer, following the Southport murders, stands in stark contrast to its recent approach. While Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was quick to condemn "far-Right thuggery" a year ago, recent events show a notable shift in rhetoric.

This summer, as protests have continued across the country, Labour politicians are now publicly acknowledging the "profound impact" of issues like immigration and de-industrialisation on communities. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s comments on economic insecurity and immigration having an "impact on our social fabric and social cohesion" are particularly noteworthy, especially given her previous characterisation of Reform’s predecessor, the Brexit Party, as "racist." This pivot reflects a growing recognition of the political force of a disaffected segment of the electorate.

The Rise of a New Political Force

This shift is largely a response to the emergence of Reform as a serious political contender. Recent polls and by-election results suggest the party now represents a significant portion of the public. This is not simply a replay of previous populist movements. While "white working-class rage" has been a feature of British politics for decades, its power was often diluted and fractured. Now, with Reform, this anger has found a single, potent outlet.

This sentiment is rooted in a deep sense of unfairness and a feeling that the country is failing them. This is not limited to immigration. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the population of England and Wales rose by over 700,000 in the year to mid-2024, the second-largest annual increase since 1949. Of this increase, 98% was due to net international migration. Many people in working-class communities express concern about the strain on public services and housing that they believe is linked to these numbers.

A recent YouGov tracker revealed that 56% of working-class people believe none of the main parties represent their priorities and values, up from 42% in 2019. These voters, defined by YouGov as being in the C2, D, and E social grades (manual workers, state pensioners, casual workers, and the unemployed), are increasingly turning away from traditional parties. A poll by Public First found that more than half of this disaffected group now plans to vote for Reform.

Beyond Immigration: A Deeper Sense of Injustice

While immigration is a primary driver, the underlying themes are broader. Working-class voters often frame their concerns in terms of "fairness and control," not race or culture. The use of hotels for asylum seekers, for example, is seen as a symbol of injustice by many who feel they could never afford such a luxury themselves. The recent shift in Reform's focus to crime, with leader Nigel Farage's tough talk, also taps into this feeling of a country lacking a sense of "natural justice."

The mainstream parties' struggle to respond effectively reflects a misunderstanding of this voter base. Many political strategists have historically viewed angry working-class voters as "left behind," poor, and disengaged. However, research suggests that those who are most vocal and politically active are often ordinary, stable working-class people from provincial England. For instance, a 2021 report from the Education Committee highlighted that in 2019, only 17.7% of free school meal-eligible White British pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs, compared to 22.5% of all FSM-eligible pupils. This highlights a persistent underachievement that contributes to a sense of being overlooked.