As the UK gears up for local elections on May 1, the Conservative Party’s bid to form a national deal with Reform UK hangs in the balance. Can Kemi Badenoch’s proposal to unite Tory and Reform councillors save the party from heavy losses?
The question of a potential national deal between the Conservative Party and Reform UK has been debated by politicians in recent weeks. In a bid to address the issue, Kemi Badenoch recently suggested that Conservative and Reform UK councillors could form coalitions in town halls after the local elections on 1 May.
The Proposal and Reaction
Badenoch had opened the door to Tory and Reform councillors entering formal agreements to administer local authorities if it was ‘right for the people in their local area’. However, this proposal was met with swift rejection from Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK. In response, Farage stated that his party has ‘no intention’ of forming coalitions with the Tories at any level.
The suggestion of a national deal between Conservative and Reform UK has sparked debate about the potential for local councils to form coalitions. Badenoch emphasized that it was up to local councils to make the choice about what is right for their councils, as long as they stick to Conservative principles. However, Farage argued that the Conservatives have ‘broken Britain nationally’ in the past and continue to break local communities with high taxes and poor services.
Nigel Farage is a British politician and former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP).
Born on April 3, 1964, in Farnborough, England, he studied at Dulwich College and later graduated from the University of Oxford.
Farage served as an MEP for South East England from 1999 to 2020 and led UKIP from 2006 to 2016.
He was a key figure in the Brexit campaign, advocating for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the 'European Union.'
The upcoming local elections on 1 May are expected to be significant, with Reform hoping to make gains. Polling suggests that several councils may end up in no overall control, leading some to question whether the Conservative Party will suffer heavy losses. Meanwhile, Labour has criticized Badenoch’s suggestion, stating that it could lead to more of the ‘Tory chaos’ that held the country back for 14 years.
Reform UK is a political party in the United Kingdom, founded by Richard Tice and Nigel Farage in 2021.
The party's primary aim is to reform the UK's relationship with the European Union and promote British sovereignty.
Reform UK advocates for a post-Brexit Britain, focusing on issues like immigration, trade, and national security.
The party has gained significant attention and support from those dissatisfied with the current state of politics in the UK.
As the local elections approach, both parties are gearing up for a fierce campaign. Badenoch acknowledged that the elections would be challenging after Reform’s historic defeat nationally last summer. However, she emphasized that Conservative councillors are working hard to win every vote. Meanwhile, Labour has highlighted the issue of defectors from the Conservative Party standing as Reform candidates.
Esther McVey, a former Tory cabinet minister, faced criticism for suggesting that her party should ‘let Reform win‘ the Runcorn and Helsby byelection. Badenoch denied campaigning in the constituency, citing her commitment to supporting county council candidates across the country.
The suggestion of a national deal between Conservative and Reform UK has sparked debate about the future of local politics. With the upcoming elections just around the corner, it remains to be seen whether the parties will come together or continue to compete fiercely for votes.
