Nigel Farage has privately informed financial backers that he anticipates a formal agreement or merger between his Reform UK party and the Conservative Party before the next general election, according to a new report. This comes despite public denials from both political camps and a stark warning from Farage that the Tories face political oblivion.
Donors Claim Farage Sees 'Inevitable' Pact
Major donors to Reform UK have told the Financial Times that the party leader has expressed confidence that his insurgent right-wing movement will ultimately join forces with the Conservatives. One donor stated that Farage described such an agreement as "inevitable", though he cautioned it would require time, citing a wariness about forging a pact with an untrusted partner.
However, these claims have been swiftly and firmly rejected by the principals involved. Nigel Farage dismissed the donor accounts, suggesting "Sometimes people hear what they want to." He issued a grim prophecy for the governing party, declaring, "After next May the Conservatives will no longer be a national party." Farage ruled out a conventional deal, instead framing his ambition as a "reverse takeover."
Conservative Leadership Dismisses Any Deal
The Conservative Party, under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch, was equally emphatic in its rejection. A party spokesperson stated, "Under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership the Conservatives will not be considering any deals or pacts." The statement attacked Reform's policy positions, accusing them of wanting higher welfare spending and to "cosy up to [Vladimir] Putin."
Badenoch has previously positioned herself as a guardian of Tory tradition, stating earlier this year she could not treat the nearly 200-year-old institution "like it’s a toy and have pacts and mergers." Despite Reform's rising poll numbers, the Conservatives retain a significant financial advantage, having raised £6.3 million in donations in the first half of the year, compared to Reform's £2.1 million.
Political Battle Lines Drawn for Election
Farage has aggressively targeted disaffected Conservative voters, arguing the party cannot be trusted after 14 years in power. His strategy has gained traction, with several former Tory MPs, including ex-minister Jonathan Gullis, defecting to Reform. They follow other high-profile names like Danny Kruger, Nadine Dorries, Jake Berry, and Maria Caulfield.
The Labour Party has seized on the reports to attack both rivals. A Labour spokesperson said, "Nigel Farage isn’t even hiding it any more – he’s happy for failed Tories to prop up his party... This shady backroom plot will send a shiver down the spine of people up and down the country." Labour accused the Conservatives and Reform of planning to "inflict Tory austerity on Britain all over again."
The public denials from Farage and Conservative headquarters stand in stark contrast to the private conversations reported by donors. This discrepancy sets the stage for a volatile period in British politics, as Reform seeks to capitalise on Tory weakness while the Conservative leadership fights to maintain its independence and donor base ahead of a pivotal national vote.
