I'd rather have another election than do a deal with Reform UK, says Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Party leader, has stated she would prefer another general election over forming a coalition with Reform UK, calling them "neck deep in scandal." She is working to rebrand the Conservative Party, pledging to cut employer national insurance for young workers and positioning them as the only credible alternative to Labour, despite current polls suggesting a hung parliament.
Why it matters
This statement highlights the deep divisions within the UK's right-wing political landscape and signals potential instability in future government formation, especially if a hung parliament occurs. It also indicates the Conservative Party's strategy to distance itself from Reform UK while trying to regain voter trust.
Figure caption, Watch: Kemi Badenoch says she wants Reform voters to "come back"
Kemi Badenoch has said she would rather have another general election than do a deal with Reform UK to secure power, if no party wins the next election.
The Conservative Party leader told the BBC that Nigel Farage's Reform are "neck deep in scandal" and joining forces with them would "just be one problem after another".
Polling suggests there would be a hung parliament at the next election, with Labour currently expected to be the largest party followed by Reform and the Tories.
As the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham nears its end, Badenoch has also pledged to cut the cost of hiring 21 to 24-year-olds by halving the rate of employer national insurance (NI) contributions.
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