Kemi Badenoch has clarified that the Tories are not forming a deal with Reform, following comments from a Conservative mayor suggesting a possible collaboration between the two parties. The opposition leader criticized any talk of “stitch ups” before the upcoming local elections and emphasized the importance of providing voters with a credible Conservative option.
Badenoch affirmed this stance during a press conference in Stratford-upon-Avon, stating, “We are not doing a deal with Reform. There is no pact in place. Our focus should be on presenting a viable Conservative choice to voters.”
She added, “Rather than discussing alliances before an election, we should be considering the needs of the people and how we can effectively serve them. Winning is just the beginning – we must also address how we will deliver for the country.”
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PM questions Badenoch on Jenrick audio at PMQs
The statement follows Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen’s suggestion of a potential collaboration between his party and Reform UK.
In an interview with Politico, Houchen expressed uncertainty about the nature of this collaboration, whether it be a pact, merger, or some form of alliance. He stressed the need for a united center-right party to lead the country, hinting at a partnership between Reform and the Conservatives.
Houchen admitted, “The specifics of such a collaboration are beyond my current scope.”
This move by the last remaining Conservative mayor will pose challenges for Badenoch, especially after shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick’s commitment to bridging the gap between the Conservatives and Reform UK to avoid vote-splitting in future elections.
According to a leaked recording obtained by Sky News, Jenrick vowed to eliminate the competition between the two right-wing parties and prevent Sir Keir Starmer from securing a second term.
Jenrick has refuted claims of seeking a pact with Reform, stating in an interview on Good Morning Britain, “My goal is to sideline Reform UK and Nigel Farage for good.”
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Farage: Jenrick ‘shaping up’ to be Tory leader
In response to Jenrick’s remarks, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage asserted that no agreement would be made with the Conservative Party.
Farage remarked, “It seems that Jenrick is positioning himself to lead the Conservative Party next. He is indifferent to the internal divisions he may cause within the party.”
“However, we have no intention of forming an alliance with a Conservative Party responsible for record tax levels, significant migration, and other issues,” he added.