Key facts
- Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch are reportedly vying for the approval of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- A dispute arose after The Times reported Meloni advised Badenoch against a deal with Farage, a claim later amended.
- Meloni's team has stated she does not wish to interfere in British domestic politics.
- Badenoch posted a social media selfie with Meloni, praising her "straight-talking" style.
- Farage and his allies have questioned the accuracy of Badenoch's account of Meloni's alleged remarks.
- Meloni is a prominent populist leader whose government is popular in Italy.
Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, leaders on the right, are reportedly engaged in a contest for the favor of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The situation escalated after The Times published an article claiming Meloni had advised Badenoch against forming a political alliance with Farage. This claim was later amended and reportedly denied by Meloni's team, who stated they do not wish to interfere in British domestic politics.
Sources close to Farage told The Guardian that Meloni had apologized for any confusion and congratulated him on his recent byelection win. A Reform UK source expressed deep unhappiness with the situation. Meanwhile, Badenoch posted a selfie with Meloni, praising her "straight-talking, no-nonsense" attitude. However, subsequent commentary from allies of Badenoch suggested Reform UK was exaggerating the situation. Robert Jenrick, a Reform MP, criticized Badenoch's account, and Farage himself questioned the direct attribution of statements to Meloni.
A Conservative spokesperson denied making false claims and accused Reform UK of fabricating conspiracy theories to distract from a donation scandal. Meloni, who came to power in 2022, is known for her populist, anti-migration, and socially conservative stance. She has become an influential figure among world leaders, with her government currently leading in Italian polls.
Raheem Kassam, a former advisor to Farage, stated that Meloni has a strong relationship with Farage and would not have made the alleged statement. He suggested that politicians like Donald Trump and Farage admire Meloni for achieving power against significant odds. Kassam also noted that Meloni is perceived as a respected and stable leader, potentially offering a model for others. Meloni has also had public disagreements with Donald Trump, notably after he claimed she "begged" for a photograph and criticized the Pope, with Meloni issuing a strong public response.