Reform voters must not be ignored if politicians want to tackle inequality and rebuild trust in politics, senior Green Party figures have said.
Speaking at a political conference in London, Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski urged politicians to understand why many people feel drawn to Nigel Farage and his party. Polanski argued that many people who support Reform UK have experienced years of economic hardship. He said voters often feel abandoned by governments and frustrated by rising living costs.
According to Polanski, politicians should distinguish between Reform UK leaders and the people who vote for them. He said many supporters face genuine challenges and deserve to have their concerns heard. Rather than dismissing those voters, he called for greater engagement with communities that feel excluded from political decision-making. He suggested that long-term inequality has created frustration across many parts of the country.
Polanski said economic pressures remain a major factor behind public dissatisfaction. Rising costs, limited opportunities and years of austerity have left many people searching for alternatives. Meanwhile, former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas echoed that message. She said listening to Reform voters should form an important part of any effort to address political divisions.
Lucas acknowledged that many voters hold legitimate concerns about living standards and economic security. Although she disagrees with Reform UK’s solutions, she said frustration can push people toward parties that promise change. She argued that years of unmet promises have weakened public confidence in mainstream politics. As a result, some voters feel willing to support alternatives in the hope of achieving different outcomes.
The discussion also touched on the upcoming Makerfield by-election. The contest has attracted national attention because of the candidacy of Andy Burnham, who seeks a return to Westminster. Political observers expect Reform UK to perform strongly in the constituency following recent local election results. However, the party faces competition from other right-wing candidates seeking support from similar voters.
Lucas described the by-election as particularly significant because of debates surrounding electoral reform. She noted that proportional representation remains a long-standing Green Party objective. Supporters of electoral reform argue that changes to the voting system would create a more representative political landscape. Critics, however, continue to favour the current system.
As campaigning intensifies, both Green Party figures believe understanding Reform voters will remain essential. They argue that addressing inequality and restoring trust requires politicians to engage with communities that feel left behind. Their comments highlight a growing debate about how parties respond to voter dissatisfaction as Britain prepares for future electoral contests.
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