Britain's Conservative Party is deeply hostile toward Nigel Farage's Reform UK, with senior figures calling them "nasty people" and "bastards." Despite the animosity, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has not ruled out a post-election coalition, as polling suggests a split right-wing vote could allow Labour to win. The Conservatives face an unenviable choice between a deal with Farage or letting Labour form a government.
The deep animosity between the Conservative Party and Reform UK, coupled with a fractured right-wing vote, could lead to a Labour victory in the next UK general election, significantly altering the country's political and economic landscape.
Britain's Conservative Party is experiencing deep animosity towards Nigel Farage's Reform UK, with party members at their annual conference in Birmingham using terms like "vile," "horrible," and "bastards" to describe the rival right-wing party. This intense hostility, fueled by defections of high-profile politicians like Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, has made a potential coalition seem near-impossible.
Despite the personal animus, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has not categorically ruled out some form of tie-up with Reform UK after a general election, as politically she cannot afford to dismiss the option. Senior Conservatives, however, privately and sometimes publicly, aimed invective and mockery at Reform. Badenoch herself told the BBC that Reform members were "not our kind of people," and a top Conservative official described them as "just nasty people."
Politically, Badenoch may be left with an unenviable choice. Polling suggests that if a general election were held now, the right-leaning vote would be deeply split between the Conservatives and Reform UK, potentially allowing the Labour Party to win the most seats under the first-past-the-post system. If a deadlock occurs even after a second election, Badenoch might have to consider teaming up with Farage or allowing Labour to form a government.
The relationship between the Conservatives and Farage, who left the party in 1992, has long been fractious, worsening after the 2019 election. Recent defections and the subsequent fighting talk have further damaged the relationship. The Conservatives have also raised questions about Reform's finances, with Badenoch stating that the party is "neck deep in scandal."
Some senior figures within the Conservative party remain staunchly opposed to any deal. One veteran of past Cabinets stated, "It'll be a cold day in hell when we get into bed with those bastards." However, others suggested less formal options like a confidence and supply agreement might be considered depending on the election margin.
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