Kemi Badenoch has dismissed claims of a division with Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick over whether the Conservative Party should explore an electoral pact with Reform UK. The Tory leader has consistently rejected any alliance with Nigel Farage’s party, accusing Reform of aiming to “destroy” the Conservatives.
The controversy arose after a leaked recording, revealed Jenrick expressing a desire for a “united” fight against Labour in the next general election, stating he was “determined” to “bring this coalition together.” When questioned about Jenrick’s remarks.
Labour and the Lib Dems seized on the apparent disagreement, calling for Badenoch to sack Jenrick for contradicting her stance. However, her spokesperson denied any rift, clarifying that Jenrick was referring to uniting centre-right voters not forming a pact with Reform. “Kemi Badenoch has made perfectly clear there will be absolutely no electoral pact with Reform,” the spokesperson said, adding that Jenrick’s comments were about winning back Reform voters.
Badenoch herself downplayed tensions, saying that Jenrick was not undermining her leadership. “We have to be realistic,” she said. “The Conservatives lost a lot of seats not just because of Labour doing better, but because we lost votes to Reform. Of course, we want those voters back.” She emphasized that the party must present a “visibly centre-right, authentic Conservative offer” to regain support.
Farage, however, ruled out any cooperation, citing a lack of trust in the Conservatives. “We had 14 years of the Conservative Party taxes at their highest since 1947, a growing state, uncontrolled immigration at levels even Tony Blair couldn’t dream of,” he said. “They’ve let people down on every measure.”
As the debate continues, Badenoch’s team insists the shadow cabinet remains united, with Jenrick described as a “team player.”
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