Farage Adviser's Secret Role at Polling Firm Raises Transparency 2026

A close adviser to Nigel Farage had an influential role at a national polling company despite not being publicly associated with the firm, the Guardian can reveal. Chris Bruni-Lowe, Farage's private pollster for many years, played an important role in the operations of Redfield & Wilton Strategies and used it to develop potential campaign strategies, according to several sources who have worked there.

The firm, founded in 2020, is owned by Bruno Rodrigues, a lawyer. Its main public face was Philip van Scheltinga, a Harvard graduate. As the Covid pandemic grew and the UK entered lockdown, the company's polls received increasing coverage, even while the source of the firm's polling expertise was unclear.

Former employees have now revealed the important role of Bruni-Lowe, who sometimes went by the name "Chris Redfield", under which quotes were published by the Washington Post newspaper. As well as ordering UK and US voter intention polls, sources said Bruni-Lowe directed research on issues such as council spending, and appeared "obsessed" with producing a dossier which he suggested could be sold to political parties.

Who is Chris Bruni-Lowe?

Chris Bruni-Lowe is a longstanding adviser and pollster to Nigel Farage, having worked with him for many years. He has been described as Farage's private pollster and has played a key role in shaping campaign strategies. His association with Farage dates back to at least 2014, and he has been involved in various political campaigns, including Brexit.

Despite his significant role at Redfield & Wilton Strategies, Bruni-Lowe was not publicly associated with the firm. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the polling industry's practices and the potential for undisclosed influences.

The Role at Redfield & Wilton Strategies

According to former employees, Bruni-Lowe was instrumental in the operations of Redfield & Wilton Strategies. He ordered UK and US voter intention polls and directed research on issues such as council spending. He also appeared "obsessed" with producing a dossier that he suggested could be sold to political parties.

The firm's public face was Philip van Scheltinga, a Harvard graduate, while the owner is Bruno Rodrigues, a lawyer. Bruni-Lowe's behind-the-scenes role was not disclosed, which raises concerns about the firm's transparency.

Key Takeaways

• Chris Bruni-Lowe, a close adviser to Nigel Farage, had an unpublicised role at Redfield & Wilton Strategies.
• He used his position to develop potential campaign strategies and directed research on various issues.
• The firm's public face was Philip van Scheltinga, but Bruni-Lowe's involvement was hidden.
• This revelation amplifies questions about transparency in the polling industry.

Implications for the Polling Industry

Bruni-Lowe's role at the company will amplify questions about transparency in the polling industry, given his longstanding association with Farage at a time of intense scrutiny over the party's use of polls to shape its political narrative. The rules of the British Polling Council require members to be transparent about their methods and clients, but Redfield & Wilton Strategies is not a member.

This lack of oversight means that the firm is not bound by the same transparency rules as other polling companies. The revelation of Bruni-Lowe's role could lead to calls for greater regulation and transparency in the industry.

Comparison of Polling Firms' Transparency

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