Liz Truss and Nigel Farage were spotted enjoying a lunch of steak and chips at an exclusive club in Mayfair, London, this week. The meal, organised by the US-based Heartland Institute, took place amidst a flurry of defections from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, raising eyebrows in political circles.
A Discreet Gathering with Political Undertones
The private lunch occurred on Monday, coinciding with criticism from Robert Jenrick, a recent defector to Reform UK, who lambasted Truss's mini-budget as "cackhanded." Photographs of the event, shared on social media by Lois Perry, Europe director of the Heartland Institute, showed Farage addressing attendees, including Truss, though these images have since been deleted.
Reform UK's Public Distance and Private Connections
Despite Reform UK publicly stating that Truss "would not be welcome" in their ranks, the gathering hints at closer ties behind the scenes. One attendee noted that both Truss and Farage are "clearly close to a lot of the same people," including key backers of Reform UK. This has led to speculation about Truss's future political moves, especially given Farage's past praise for her mini-budget as "the best Conservative budget since 1986."
Controversial Attendees and Climate Denial Links
The lunch featured a roster of controversial figures, such as historian David Starkey, who faced backlash for racist remarks, and broadcaster Mike Graham, dismissed from TalkTV over a racist post investigation. The Heartland Institute itself has a history of extreme climate denial, having compared climate activists to terrorists like the Unabomber.
Lance Forman, a smoked salmon mogul and former Brexit party MEP who supported Truss's leadership campaign, was also present. He described the lunch as focused on climate change and downplayed reports of Truss being upset by Jenrick's comments, stating she was "cheerful and robust." However, other sources suggest Truss complained about "dark forces" behind critical media coverage.
Political Reactions and Implications
Labour quickly criticised the event, with a spokesperson accusing Farage of trying to "reassemble Boris Johnson's cabinet of failed Tories." They highlighted the irony of Jenrick condemning Truss while Farage dined with her, calling it a display of hypocrisy within right-wing circles.
The Venue and Its Symbolism
Held at Mark's Club in Mayfair, the venue has undergone a recent renovation described as "migraine-inducing" with chintzy furnishings and bold patterns. Membership costs £2,750 annually plus a £1,250 joining fee, positioning it as a hub for the right-wing elite. Notably, Truss has reportedly struggled to gain access to more exclusive clubs like 5 Hertford Street due to past conflicts over poaching members for her own rival establishment.
Farage gave a short speech at the lunch endorsing the Heartland Institute's ideas, with some attendees predicting these views could influence Reform UK's future policies. Hard copies of the institute's materials were distributed, underscoring the event's ideological underpinnings.
Broader Context and Future Prospects
This isn't the first time Perry has brought Truss and Farage together; they previously appeared at the launch of Heartland's UK chapter. As Truss continues to engage with fringe right-wing groups, her role in shaping political discourse remains a topic of intense debate, particularly as Reform UK navigates its growing influence post-Tory defections.
