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Reform UK is organizing a primary election to select a candidate to challenge Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch in North West Essex. Meanwhile, Badenoch has defended a colleague's controversial comments regarding 'no-go zones' in Luton.
Why it matters
The move reflects Reform UK's strategy to challenge established political figures and the ongoing debate within the Conservative Party regarding social cohesion and rhetoric.
Reform UK is planning to hold a "US-style primary" to find a candidate to oust Kemi Badenoch from her Tory seat.
North West Essex constituents will be allowed to vote for Reform UK's candidate to contest the election even if they are not a member of Nigel Farage's party, The Telegraph has revealed.
Mrs Badenoch's seat - which she won with a 2,610 majority in 2024 - is widely touted as a major target for Reform UK at the next general election.
In May's local elections, Nigel Farage's party wrestled control Essex County Council from the Conservatives after 25 years of rule.
The primary will see three candidates chosen by the local party branch, with the finalists put before the voters before the seat's contest takes place.
The prospective candidates will also take part in a special hustings, which will be chaired by Mr Farage himself.
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