Why Nigel Farage Holds an Appeal for British People

It has been said many times, "He is as popular as a fart in a spacesuit." Indeed, about Nigel Farage, a political figure who holds considerable appeal for many British people, as well as a considerable amount of disdain. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Farage's political appeal and the implications of this phenomenon.

The Core of Farage's Appeal: Brexit

One of the primary reasons why Farage is so popular is his unapologetic stance on Brexit. For many Brits, Brexit offered a chance to reclaim control over their national destiny, one that many perceived was compromised by the European Union (EU). This sentiment was not entirely unfounded. Hoggett (2011) argues that the governance issues within the UK could be attributed, at least in part, to the influence of EU laws and regulations. Farage painted a picture of systemic failure, pointing fingers at external entities rather than domestic inaction. This narrative resonated with a significant portion of the population, particularly those who felt disenfranchised or economically disadvantaged.

Economic and Social Discontent

For many Brits, especially those facing economic hardships, the prospect of change was compelling. It was widely perceived that the traditional political parties, particularly the Labour and Conservative Parties, had alienated parts of the electorate. In a study by Political Quarterly, it was found that both parties were effectively abandoning certain segments of the population, leaving them hanging. This created a fertile ground for Farage's message to flourish. He represented an alternative to the status quo, one that promised change and anti-establishment sentiment.

The Divisive Nature of Farage's Political Platform

While Farage's message may have appealed to some, it was deeply troubling to others. An essential aspect of his rhetoric was the shifting blame for political and economic issues onto immigrants, notably from the EU. His approach of deflection, attributing failures to external causes, is a common strategy in politics (Goldstone Dorian, 2007). However, this also meant that his policies, and association with them, attracted a significant number of racists. In a society where divisive rhetoric can lead to social polarization, Farage's polarizing stance was not without its repercussions.

Furthermore, it's important to note that Even those who supported Farage were not all racist. As my experience with a construction site of 20 people attests, the concept of 'free movement' versus 'free access' is complex. On my site, all the ground workers are Romanian, yet the site is also staffed by English workers. There are several English workers, but their job requires a salary that not many can afford at 60k a year. The issue is, we see the workers from Romania doing the work at the same rates as any other worker. Yet, many still worry about the influx of foreign workers taking jobs away from them. However, this narrative often overlooks the broader socio-economic context and fails to acknowledge the significant effort that these workers put into securing their jobs.

Current Perception of Farage

Despite the initial appeal, Farage's broader political narrative has now unravelled. He once offered an alternative to the establishment, but ultimately his message has led to division and social strife. As a result, he has become a 'busted flush', no longer the figure he once was. His former appeal has been overshadowed by the negative consequences of his divisive rhetoric and the realization that many of the promises he made were not fulfilled.

Conclusion

The appeal of Nigel Farage to Britons is a complex issue with roots in economic discontent, anti-establishment sentiment, and the promise of change. However, it also highlights the dangers of political rhetoric that can fuel division and social polarization. As society continues to evolve, the role of political leaders in addressing these challenges and fostering unity will become increasingly crucial.