One third of Britons think Ukip is a racist party

  • UKIP
A quarter of UKIP voters at the European elections say they are unlikely to stick with the party at the general elections. Credit: Press Association

Almost one third of Britons think that Ukip is a racist party, according to a new ITV News/ComRes poll.

Of the 2,052 British adults surveyed about their opinion of the UK Independence Party, 32% said they believed the party was racist. 40% disagreed with this statement and 29% said they did not know.

A third of the British public think UKIP are more honest than other parties

However, a third of the British public (33%) questioned think that Ukip are more honest than other parties, although more people disagree (38%) with this.

People who voted Conservative in 2010 are more likely to agree (44%) than disagree (34%) that UKIP are more honest than other political parties.

82% of likely UKIP voters at the European Parliamentary elections think Ukip is more honest than other political parties.

Britons are split about whether Ukip has sensible policies: 38% think not, but 38% think the party does.

Half of 2010 Conservatives (48%) think that Ukip has sensible policies.

A quarter of Ukip voters at European elections unlikely to stick with party

The poll found that despite the surging popularity of Nigel Farage’s party, a quarter (23%) of likely Ukip voters at the European Parliamentary elections say they are unlikely to vote for the party at the General Election next year. Just 55% say that they are very likely to vote for the party in 2015, compared to 90% of Labour voters and 88% of Conservative voters.

However, two thirds of 2010 Conservatives (67%) now saying they would vote Ukip say that they are likely to stay with their new party for the General Election.

Ukip open up clear lead in run up to European elections

The survey found Ukip have opened up a clear lead in the run up to next month’s elections for the European Parliament. 38% of Britons certain to vote say that they would cast their ballot for the party, compared to 27% who would vote for Labour, 18% who would vote for the Conservatives and 8% who would vote Lib Dem.

Ukip's performance at European Elections could hinge on turnout

However, much could hinge on turnout. These figures are based on those saying that they are 10/10 likely to vote (which would imply a 39% turnout). However, if the criteria is widened to take into account all those say saying that they are at least 5/10 likely to vote, Ukip only receive 32% of the potential vote share, just 4 points ahead of Labour on 28%.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage launches his party's European election campaign in Barkers Pool, Sheffield. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

ComRes interviewed 2,052 British adults online between 25th and 27th April 2014.