Badenoch says Reform defectors ‘some of the most dishonest people I have met’

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative party leader, has strongly criticised defectors who joined Reform UK, describing them as "some of the most dishonest people" she has encountered. Speaking at the Edinburgh festival fringe, Ms Badenoch firmly rejected any prospect of an election agreement or coalition with Nigel Farage's Reform UK, also ruling out the return of what she termed "drama queens" to the Conservative party.

Ms Badenoch accused those who left the Conservatives of abandoning the party during its weakest period, suggesting many were responsible for the initial problems before departing. She questioned why they should be allowed back, emphasising her unwillingness to entertain approaches from former parliamentarians who have defected.

Several current and former parliamentarians have moved from the Conservatives to Reform, including former home secretary Suella Braverman and former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick. After being removed from his position by Ms Badenoch for plotting against her, Mr Jenrick publicly labelled his former party "rotten" and "failed."

Ms Badenoch also directed criticism at Reform UK itself, claiming it is disorganised and prone to announcing policies only to forget them quickly. She specifically questioned the viability of working with Nigel Farage, noting his history of disagreements with colleagues in every party he has founded.

The latest Ipsos voting intention poll, conducted between July 30 and August 4 among 1,033 British adults, shows Labour holding 28% support. Reform UK followed with 25%, while the Conservatives trailed in third place at 18%. Andy Burnham became Prime Minister last month after Labour secured a landslide majority in July 2024, and he has ruled out calling an early general election. The next election must occur by August 2029.

Despite Reform's substantial gains in Wales and England, which were a factor in Keir Starmer's resignation, Ms Badenoch asserted her intention to "win on my own terms" in the next general election. She expressed a preference for another election in the event of a hung parliament rather than a "monstrous Reform-Conservative hybrid" government, arguing it would be difficult to work with such individuals given her approach to careful planning.