UK polling watchdog faces reckoning after Farage sting
British Polling Council members have pressed for tougher action on a firm accused of downplaying Reform UK links to its polling.
The British Polling Council (BPC), tasked with policing transparency in the UK's polling industry, is facing a reckoning after a sting operation. Officers of the BPC revealed at a private meeting that they lack the power to effectively hold rogue firms accountable. One officer compared the BPC's organization to a "bowling club," highlighting the challenges they face.
The BPC's own rulebook stipulates that polling companies must disclose their funding sources, with violators potentially facing expulsion. However, despite a recent investigation revealing a pollster's breach of this rule, the firm has not been expelled, sparking concerns about the BPC's effectiveness. Jane Green, the BPC's president, acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting that the organization is designed to handle minor mistakes, not more contentious issues.
The BPC's financial constraints, with a budget of just £4,000, also pose a hurdle, as the industry has seen significant growth. The BPC is now considering whether to maintain its current structure or strengthen its ability to enforce rules.
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