Tory Leaders Slam Proposal for Pact with Farage and Johnson to Create Right-Wing Mega-Party Amid Concerns Over Rising Popularity of Reform UK in the UK Political Arena

Tories Reject Farage and Johnson Pact

The idea of a coalition between the Tories and Reform UK, which would create a right-wing “mega-party” led by Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson, was quickly dismissed by Conservative leaders today.

A shadow frontbencher even compared the potential partnership to a broken marriage.

Sources close to Farage, however, hinted that the Reform UK leader might consider collaborating with Boris Johnson if it would serve the national interest and help defeat Labour.

Given current polling numbers, a combined Reform/Tory party could dominate, easily beating Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, whose support continues to slide amid a turbulent period for his government.

Tory Struggles and Polling Numbers

A new poll revealed that only a quarter of Tory voters view current leader Kemi Badenoch as a potential prime minister.

This is a blow for the party, which is grappling with low polling and a potential exodus of wealthy donors switching their allegiance to Reform UK.

Recent reports indicate that Farage and former Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick held informal talks last week at the private In and Out club in Mayfair to explore ways of “uniting the right.” But sources claim neither Farage nor Jenrick had officially sanctioned the discussions.

Reform UK’s Ambition and Challenges

Despite talks of unity, Alex Burghart, the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, dismissed any possibility of a deal with Reform UK, emphasizing their stated goal of “destroying the Conservative Party.” He compared it to a problematic first date and questioned whether there was even room for a partnership if one side is focused on destruction.

Farage’s Potential Role and Ambitions

As Conservative support continues to erode, some Reform UK insiders believe that Farage might be willing to set aside his ego for a joint cause, much like he did during the Brexit campaign in 2016.

However, sources emphasize that if Reform maintains its polling lead, Farage would expect to hold significant sway over the combined operation, including possibly dictating policy shifts like abandoning net-zero targets and following Donald Trump’s example of appointing high-profile figures to lead government departments.

There is talk of several possible arrangements between Reform and the Tories, including a non-aggression pact during elections, a coalition similar to the 1980s Liberal/SDP alliance, or even a full merger.

Should such a pact succeed, Farage could secure a role, possibly as Chancellor.

Farage’s Strategy and Leadership Dynamics

One source close to Farage noted his belief that the Tories can’t win the next election without significant changes, pointing to his past experience with Brexit and how he was burned in 2019 when he made concessions only to be let down by Johnson.

They suggested that if Boris were to return as Tory leader, clear agreements on key issues would be necessary to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Farage, who remains a popular figure in UK politics with a personal approval rating of 32%, is also considered a potential contender for Prime Minister in some polls.

But his comeback would require careful maneuvering, including potentially persuading an existing Tory leader to step aside and make way for him, a scenario that seems unlikely with Kemi Badenoch at the helm.

Johnson’s Position and Rebuilding the Tories

Friends of Boris Johnson believe the former prime minister’s path forward lies in restoring the Conservative Party’s distinct identity, separate from the policies of groups like Reform UK.

Johnson’s “red line,” they say, is staying within the Conservative Party, and he is unlikely to defect.

However, they believe the Brexit campaign could provide a blueprint for the future if the party’s fortunes don’t improve.

Reform UK’s Rising Support

Reform UK is actively working to increase its support base, aiming to match Farage’s personal approval ratings.

According to a recent poll, the party has surged to 24%, with Labour and the Tories both on 23%. This would result in a tight contest, with the Tories and Reform UK closely vying for seats.

The shift in support from Labour’s traditional heartlands to Reform is evident, with the party planning to make a statement in May’s local elections, warning that voting for the Tories is essentially a vote for Labour.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a close ally of Johnson, has echoed concerns that without a pact in the upcoming election, Labour could maintain its majority and continue to govern poorly.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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