Nigel Farage has firmly dismissed the idea of any post-election pacts between Reform UK and the Conservatives at a local level, rebuking a suggestion by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that such coalitions could be possible following next month’s local elections.
Speaking on Thursday, Mrs Badenoch hinted that while no national arrangement was on the table, local Conservative councillors might explore alliances with Reform UK depending on local dynamics. She told BBC Breakfast that local leaders “have to do what is right for the people in their local area,” referencing the history of Conservative partnerships with Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Independents in various councils.
But Mr Farage swiftly rejected the proposal, reiterating his party’s longstanding opposition to working with the Tories. “The Tories broke Britain nationally for 14 years, and their councils continue to break local communities with the highest taxes ever and the worst services,” the Clacton MP said. “Reform have no intention of forming coalitions with the Tories at any level.”
The staunch rebuff underscores Farage’s mission to distance Reform UK from the Conservative brand, with the Reform leader having previously vowed to “destroy” the Tory party and replace it with what he calls a “genuine patriotic alternative.”
Mrs Badenoch, however, appeared to leave the door open for pragmatic local decision-making, albeit with caveats. “I’m telling local leaders to stick to Conservative principles — sound money, low taxes, and not excessive government intervention,” she said. But the reaction from Reform was unambiguous, ruling out any cooperation.
With local elections set for May 1, the Conservatives are under immense pressure. Despite Labour’s struggles, the Tories face a steep uphill battle, defending more than half the seats up for grabs — many won during the 2021 election cycle, buoyed by a vaccine rollout boost and a then more optimistic post-Covid political climate.
Now, polling suggests Reform is eating into the Conservative vote share, particularly in traditional Tory heartlands. The party has consistently polled ahead of the Conservatives on a national level, further complicating Mrs Badenoch’s electoral prospects.
Speaking from Lancashire on the campaign trail, Mrs Badenoch admitted the elections would be “challenging” in light of the Conservatives’ “historic defeat” at the general election. “We can’t win everything all the time,” she said. “But I want people to know that those local Conservatives are working hard for every vote.”
When asked why she wasn’t campaigning in the Runcorn and Helsby constituency — where a by-election has been called following former Labour MP Mike Amesbury’s resignation after receiving a suspended sentence — she responded, “I can’t be everywhere at the same time. I’m supporting candidates across the country.”
Her comments came amid reports that Conservative MP Esther McVey had suggested the Tories should “let Reform win” the Runcorn by-election as part of an informal electoral pact. Mrs Badenoch was unequivocal in her response: “That’s absolutely the wrong thing. Conservatives do not stand down for any other party.”
More Read
Labour Party chair Ellie Reeves seized on the moment, declaring: “Now it’s crystal clear: if you vote Reform or Conservative, you’re opening the door to more of the Tory chaos that’s held our country back for 14 years.”
She warned of the implications of a potential union between Farage and Badenoch, adding: “Kemi Badenoch left our NHS at breaking point, and Farage wants to make patients pay when they’re sick. Just imagine what they’d do together.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused the two parties of being indistinguishable. “You couldn’t put a cigarette paper between Badenoch and Farage when it comes to their policies. It’s clear the Conservatives have totally abandoned the centre ground.”
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the clash between the Conservatives and Reform UK appears only to be intensifying — with both parties jostling for the right-wing vote, and neither showing signs of backing down.
