Conservative leadership faces internal divisions as Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick rules out pact with Reform UK, sparking concerns about the party’s willingness to work with Nigel Farage’s group.
Robert Jenrick Rules Out Tory Pact with Reform UK
The Conservative Party's leadership crisis refers to a period of turmoil within the party, typically characterized by internal power struggles and challenges to the sitting leader.
This can be triggered by factors such as poor election performance, policy disagreements, or personal scandals affecting the leader.
In recent years, the UK has seen several high-profile leadership crises, including those surrounding Theresa May and Boris Johnson.
Research suggests that approximately 60% of Conservative Party members favor a more right-wing approach to politics, while 40% lean towards a more centrist stance.
Shadow Justice Secretary Dismisses Alliance with Nigel Farage‘s Party, Urges Critics to Give Kemi Badenoch a Break.
Conservatives are facing internal divisions over a potential pact with Reform UK. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has ruled out an alliance with the right-wing party, sparking concerns about the Conservative leadership’s willingness to work with Nigel Farage‘s group.
Reform UK is a centrist political party in the United Kingdom, founded in 2020 by Richard Tice.
The party aims to promote free market economics and limited government intervention.
It has been critical of both the Conservative and Labour parties' policies.
Reform UK advocates for Brexit and has expressed concerns about the impact of EU regulations on British businesses.
The party has gained attention for its unconventional campaign tactics, including using social media and online events to engage with voters.
A Shift in Tone: From Coalition to Competition
Speaking to a UCL Conservative Society dinner in late March, Jenrick expressed his determination to ‘bring this coalition together’ when discussing Reform UK’s threat. However, on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Friday, he struck a different tone, saying that Kemi Badenoch and he are ‘on exactly the same page‘. Jenrick reiterated his desire to ‘put Reform out of business’, stating that he wants to ‘send Nigel Farage back to retirement’.
Nigel Farage is a British politician and former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP).
Born on April 3, 1964, in Farnborough, England, he served as an MEP from 1999 to 2020.
Farage was a key figure in the Brexit campaign, advocating for the UK's exit from the European Union.
He resigned as UKIP leader in 2016 after the referendum and later founded the Brexit Party.
A Different Approach: Focusing on Voter Retention
Jenrick‘s comments on Good Morning Britain highlighted a shift in approach. Instead of discussing a potential coalition, he focused on bringing back voters who switched to Reform UK at the last general election. He acknowledged that these voters feel angry and frustrated with the Conservative party but urged them to give Kemi Badenoch a break.
A Challenge from Within
The comments have been seen as a challenge from within the Conservative leadership. Ben Houchen, the Conservative mayor for Tees Valley, has urged his party to make some kind of deal with Reform UK before the next general election. However, Jenrick‘s stance on the matter is clear: he wants to put Reform out of business and send Nigel Farage back to retirement.
The Road Ahead
Elections are due to be held in more than 20 councils in England next week, with Reform UK hoping to make significant gains. As the Conservative leadership navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to put their differences aside and work together with Reform UK.
- theguardian.com | Robert Jenrick rules out Tory pact with Reform UK
