Kemi Badenoch's Authority 'In Tatters' As Senior Tory Joins Calls For Pact With Reform UK

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch Kemi Badenoch’s authority is now in “tatters” after another Tory called for a deal with Reform UK at the next general election, according to the Liberal Democrats.The Conservative leader has persistently ruled out a national election pact with the party’s up and coming right-wing rivals, Reform UK.But, as the Tories are expected to take a battering during Thursday’s local elections – with Nigel Farage’s party set to win big – the leader of the opposition is facing growing pressure to pair up with Reform UK to limit their any future losses.A recently leaked recording revealed even Badenoch’s shadow justice secretary – and the runner-up in the Conservative leadership contest – Robert Jenrick saying a Tory-Reform pact would “unite the right” ahead of the next general election.And Conservative mayor Lord Ben Houchen for the Tees Valley followed suit today, telling BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg “some sort of pact” could be on the cards.He said: “If at the next election, there are a number of MPs in the Tory Party and Reform that created a significant majority then obviously there’s going to be a conversation to form a coalition or some sort of pact.”These remarks directly contradict Badenoch’s comments to Sky News this morning. While admitting her party could pair up with Reform on a local level, the Tory leader said: “I’m not going into any coalition whatsoever with Nigel Farage or Reform at national level.”This major split within the Conservative Party was quickly picked up by their rivals.Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “Kemi Badenoch’s authority lies in tatters. Senior figures in the Conservative Party are openly contradicting her on the airwaves, knowing there will be no consequences.“The Conservatives have taken the same approach to opposition as they did to Government, taking voters for granted whilst being marred in chaos and infighting. “The public is appalled at the prospect of Badenoch doing a grubby deal with Farage. It is no wonder that former Conservative voters are leaving them in their droves and switching to the Liberal Democrats.”A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Ben Houchen is saying what Kemi Badenoch only dares to hint at: the Tories and Reform will work together to stop Labour bringing the change this country needs.“The only way to stop the Tories using Reform to sneak in by the back door is to vote Labour.”Badenoch also had to dismiss concerns that Conservative Party donor Bassim Haidar – who has just announced he is donating £1 million to Reform – will be the first of many defectors this morning.She told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “No, I’m not worried, we are raising money as well in the Conservative Party. The last release showed that we raised more than the Lib Dems, Reform and Labour combined.“So, we’re doing fine on donations. Obviously we don’t want to lose our donors, but we need to make sure that what we are doing is about the public, it’s not just about winning elections. What are we winning for? What is the agenda?”Related...Andrea Jenkyns Could Be Reform UK’s First Mayor – Here Are Her Most Unforgettable Moments'She's Lost Control Of Her Party': Starmer Mocks Badenoch After Jenrick Hints At Reform 'Coalition'Shock Poll Shows Reform UK On Course To Win Next General Election

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