Both Reform UK and the Conservative Party have issued strong denials following a report suggesting the two right-wing parties could be forced into an alliance before the next general election.
Reports of an Inevitable Deal
The speculation originated from a report in The Financial Times on Wednesday 3 December 2025. The newspaper quoted unnamed sources who claimed that Nigel Farage had told Reform donors he believes an agreement between the parties is inevitable for electoral success. The report suggested this indicates he does not believe Reform can sweep to power alone.
This has sparked concern among some supporters that without a pact, the parties could split the right-wing vote in numerous constituencies under the first past the post system, thereby benefiting Labour. This fear is underscored by the result of the 2024 election, where Reform UK won just five seats out of 650 despite receiving 4.1 million votes.
Leaders Rule Out Cooperation
However, the leaders of both movements have publicly dismissed any prospect of a deal. Nigel Farage pointed to a previous pact with the Tories in 2019, which he felt resulted in betrayal, and stated he would never make a deal with a party he doesn't trust.
"I would never do a deal with a party I don't trust. No deals, just a reverse takeover," the Reform leader declared. "A deal with them as they are would cost us votes." He also predicted the Conservatives would cease to be a national party after the local elections in May 2026.
A Conservative spokesman, under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch, was equally definitive. "Reform want higher welfare spending and to cosy up to Putin. Only the Conservatives have the team, the plan, and the backbone to deliver," he said, warning that no deals would be considered.
The Shifting Political Landscape
The denials come amid a significant shift in the political polls. The latest YouGov opinion poll places support for Reform UK at 26%, with both Labour and the Conservatives deadlocked on 19% each. This momentum has led around 20 former Tory MPs to defect to Reform, including Boris Johnson ally Nadine Dorries.
Despite this polling lead, the Conservatives retain a financial advantage, having received three times more in donations than Reform in the first half of 2025.
A Labour Party spokesperson criticised both rival parties, calling a potential pact a "shady backroom plot" that would "send a shiver down the spine of people up and down the country." The spokesperson accused the Tories of breaking public services and claimed Reform would implement "savage" spending cuts.
