Nigel Farage has told donors he expects a deal or merger between his Reform UK party and the Conservatives before the next general election, the Financial Times reported. The claim comes as Reform leads the Tories in polls 29% to 17%, positioning Farage to potentially dictate terms of any alliance. Both Farage and Conservative leaders publicly rejected the reports.
Donors told the Financial Times that Farage described such an agreement as "inevitable." One Reform supporter explained the electoral logic: «The Conservatives have been a successful political party forever because the left was always divided [...] If the right is divided, it can't win.»
Reform has attracted 20 former Conservative MPs since last year, including former deputy chair Jonathan Gullis and sitting MP Danny Kruger, who became the first Tory parliamentarian to defect in September. Former cabinet minister Nadine Dorries also joined Reform's ranks.
Farage's public denial
Farage rejected the reported conversations when approached by the Financial Times. «Sometimes people hear what they want to,» he said. The Reform leader ruled out any pact with the Conservatives: «I would never do a deal with a party that I don't trust. No deals, just a reverse takeover.»
He predicted the Conservatives would cease to be a national party after devolved and local elections next May. «A deal with them as they are would cost us votes,» Farage added.
Conservative and Labour responses
A Conservative spokesperson dismissed any possibility of cooperation under Kemi Badenoch's leadership. The party accused Reform of wanting «higher welfare spending» and seeking to «cosy up to [Russian president Vladimir] Putin.» Badenoch stated earlier this year: «I am the custodian of an institution that has existed for nigh on 200 years [...] I can't just treat it like it's a toy and have pacts and mergers.»
Labour warned of a «shady backroom plot» between the two parties. A spokesperson said: «Nigel Farage isn't even hiding it any more – he's happy for failed Tories to prop up his party.» Labour claimed any Tory-Reform alliance would mean «savage cuts to local schools and hospitals.»
Electoral mathematics
YouGov's Anthony Wells noted that while Reform is «miles ahead in the polls,» tactical voting could prevent Farage from gaining power. The polling expert warned: «There are some Tories that really don't like Reform so there will be some leakage from right to left.»
Electoral Commission data shows the Conservatives raised £6.3 million in the first half of the year, three times Reform's £2.1 million. The next general election must be held by August 2029.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
