Kemi Badenoch has indicated that she would be open to Conservatives and Reform UK councillors governing together at the local level, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from the Liberal Democrats.
Badenoch's Comments on Local Pacts
In an interview with Sky News, Badenoch was asked about the possibility of Tory-Reform pacts in local councils. Initially, she noted that in councils where Reform won seats last year, no coalitions with the Conservatives were formed. However, she then added: "We are willing to work with people who will help deliver Conservative policies."
Lib Dem Response
Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader, condemned the remarks, stating: "Lifelong Conservative voters across the country will be appalled that Kemi Badenoch is opening the door to coalitions with Reform. This is a dress rehearsal for the next general election when the Conservatives are preparing to put Nigel Farage into Number 10."
It is not uncommon for rival parties to collaborate in local government when no single party holds a majority, provided they can agree on a shared agenda. At the national level, Badenoch and Nigel Farage have both dismissed the idea of an electoral pact for the next general election. Yet, both have left the door slightly ajar in recent interviews.
Farage's Stance
In an interview with the Times last month, Farage did not rule out a confidence and supply arrangement with the Tories after the next election. Steven Swinford reported: "Given the potential for a hung parliament, can Farage rule out a confidence and supply arrangement with the Tories after the next election? Reform’s leader is coy. 'You’re talking about a scenario that is so far down the road.' He says it is 'highly undesirable' but does not rule it out. 'Well there’s never a no, is there,' he says. 'There’s never a no to anything in life, but it’s highly undesirable on the basis of trust.'"
Badenoch's Shift
When asked about this in a Sunday Times interview at the weekend, Badenoch also declined to rule out cooperation. Previously, she had been unequivocally opposed, telling the Times last month: "I have ruled out a coalition with Reform in Westminster, and I rule it out here." But now, she says: "I just think it’s too soon to even be talking about stuff like that. Right now, I need people to understand what this new Conservative party is. If you start talking about deals, it sounds like you’re trying to stitch up jobs." She later appeared more definitive: "I meet Conservatives every day who say, ‘If you go to Reform, then we’re done’." The door appears to be ajar, but only just.
