EXCLUSIVE: The previous Conservative MP stated hypothesis a couple of future alliance misunderstands each Reform’s long-term technique and the ideological make-up of the trendy Tories.
Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage (Picture: GETTY)
Reform UK won’t ever enter a proper pact with the Conservative Occasion as a result of the 2 events are actually essentially incompatible regardless of their shared Brexit historical past, former minister Ann Widdecombe has stated. The previous Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010, who held ministerial posts in each the House Workplace and the Division of Employment, stated hypothesis a couple of future alliance misunderstands each Reform’s long-term technique and the ideological make-up of the trendy Tories.
Ms Widdecombe advised the Each day Categorical: “There received’t be any pact; that may be a certainty”, stating that Conservatives nonetheless contained a big ideological bloc which made formal cooperation unattainable. She defined: “The Conservative Occasion has a really massive ‘moist’ neo-liberal part that has rather more in frequent with the Lib Dems than with us.”
Reform UK’s Ann Widdecombe (Picture: Getty)
Any suggestion of an electoral deal ignored that actuality, Mr Widdecombe burdened, persevering with: “A pact is simply not practical. Particular person right-wingers coming throughout? Sure, that’s one factor. However a pact with a celebration that also accommodates a lot of Remainers, for instance? No.”
In November 2019, Reform UK chief Nigel Farage introduced what he described as a “unilateral Go away alliance,” withdrawing Brexit Occasion candidates from all 319 seats received by the Conservatives on the 2017 common election.
The choice was taken to keep away from splitting the pro-Brexit vote and permitting what Mr Farage warned may change into a “Remainer” Parliament led by Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats, doubtlessly triggering a second referendum.
On the time, Mr Farage stated: Boris Johnson’s dedication to leaving the EU by a hard and fast date and pursuing a Canada-style free commerce settlement supplied adequate assurance that Brexit can be delivered.
Since then, relations between Mr Farage and successive Conservative leaders have deteriorated considerably. Reform’s technique has shifted from tactical cooperation to outright competitors, with Mr Farage lately arguing {that a} deal would “price us votes.”
As of early 2026, Mr Farage has framed Reform’s goal as a “reverse takeover,” positioning the celebration as a alternative for the Conservatives somewhat than a junior accomplice. He has repeatedly stated: Reform’s purpose is to change into the primary celebration of the appropriate, to not prop up a Conservative Occasion he has criticised over immigration and financial coverage.
Regardless of public denials, stories from Reform donors in late 2025 urged Mr Farage privately views some type of long-term deal as inevitable—however provided that it entails Reform changing into the dominant pressure or absorbing the Conservative base.
Ms Widdecombe continued: “The Conservative Occasion has at all times been a mixture of proper and left.” Completely different factions have prevailed at completely different moments, she emphasised, citing Margaret Thatcher on the appropriate and David Cameron on the left. One wing prevails at sure instances.”
The emergence of Reform has altered the political panorama by providing a brand new dwelling for right-wing Conservatives, Ms Widdecombe identified.
She defined: “It is not shocking to seek out right-wingers there as a result of, traditionally, there was nowhere else to go. However now there’s some place else to go. That’s what is making the distinction.”
Hypothesis has grown about whether or not senior Conservatives—even chief Kemi Badenoch herself—may finally soar ship, however Ms Widdecombe dismissed that suggestion.
She stated: “Many keep out of loyalty—not simply to the celebration, however to the employees of their constituencies. There is a gigantic emotional tug towards leaving.”
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Ms Badenoch was extremely unlikely to contemplate such a transfer herself, she burdened, reasoning: “On condition that she is the Chief, it’s a really completely different matter. I do not suppose leaving has even occurred to her.”
Ms Badenoch has remained one of the crucial vocal opponents of any take care of Reform. In January 2026, she dismissed the concept of a pact as being “for the birds” and accused defectors—who’ve included Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman—of getting a “tantrum dressed up as politics.” She advised these strolling away: “We solely need Conservatives.”
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