Farage Signals Potential Election deal Between Reform UK and Conservatives, Claims Later Denied
LONDON – Nigel Farage has reportedly told donors he anticipates a deal or merger between his Reform UK party and the Conservative Party ahead of the next general election, according to a report in the Financial Times. Sources among Reform UK donors indicated Farage views such an arrangement as “certain,” though cautioned it would be a protracted process due to existing distrust.
Both Farage and the Conservative Party swiftly denied the claims. Farage stated to the financial Times, “Sometimes people hear what they want to,” adding, “After next May the Conservatives will no longer be a national party. I would never do a deal with a party that I do not trust. No deals, just a reverse takeover.”
A Conservative spokesperson asserted that under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, the party “will not be considering any deals or pacts,” highlighting policy differences, stating Reform advocates “higher welfare spending and to cosy up to [Russian president Vladimir] Putin.” The spokesperson further emphasized the Conservatives’ strength: “Onyl the Conservatives have the team, the plan and the backbone to deliver.”
The reports emerge as Farage actively courts Conservative voters disillusioned with 14 years of Tory rule. several former Conservative MPs,including Jonathan Gullis,Danny Kruger,Nadine Dorries,Jake Berry,and Maria Caulfield,have recently defected to Reform UK.
Badenoch previously dismissed the possibility of a deal, stating earlier this year, “I am the custodian of an institution that has existed for nigh on 200 years… I can’t just treat it like it’s a toy and have pacts and mergers.”
Despite Reform UK’s recent polling gains, the Conservatives maintain a significant fundraising advantage.Electoral Commission data reveals the Conservatives raised £6.3 million in donations during the frist half of the year, compared to Reform UK’s £2.1 million.
The Labor Party responded to the reports with criticism, a spokesperson stating Farage “isn’t even hiding it any more – he’s happy for failed Tories to prop up his party.” They warned that a combined Conservative-Reform government would lead to “Tory austerity… savage cuts to local schools and hospitals.”
