Kemi Badenoch has issued a warning to wavering Tory MPs, insisting that anyone who defects to Reform UK will not be allowed back into her party, reports BritPanorama.
While the Tory leader stated she wants “Reform voters to come back to us,” she noted that the MPs “who left our party…are people who just cause problems.” Her comments came during the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, where the party is seeking to recapture lost voter confidence ahead of upcoming elections.
Speaking to GB News, Mrs. Badenoch expressed her desire to welcome back Reform voters, highlighting the troubled history of some Reform politicians. “Their conference… it was overshadowed by an exposé and scandals,” she said, adding that issues within Reform UK have marred its reputation. She noted the leadership troubles Reform has faced, including members stepping down following legal issues.
Mrs. Badenoch specifically called out the party’s troubles in Wales, underscoring her reluctance to associate with Reform UK. “Their leader in Wales had to step down after being arrested. The one before him is in prison for taking bribes from Russia. I don’t want to do a deal with those types of people,” she stated, reaffirming her vision for the Conservative Party.
When pressed about the possibility of Reform MPs returning to the Tories, Badenoch firmly answered, “No,” emphasizing that they contributed to the issues the party faces. Moreover, she expressed a preference for two quick successive general elections rather than forming a coalition with Nigel Farage’s party in a hung parliament.
Despite the Conservative Party currently polling third behind Labour and Reform, Badenoch remarked that her party members felt “happy because we know who we are.” She acknowledged that the party has not fully recovered from its defeat in the 2024 general election but maintains a confident outlook about the party’s identity and values.
On the first day of the conference, she outlined her political philosophy in a document titled ‘The Right Way,’ emphasizing the importance of principles in guiding the party forward. However, Badenoch admitted, “We’re not out of the woods yet,” signifying awareness of the challenges ahead.
Highlighting the party’s renewed focus, Badenoch stated, “People at conference aren’t happy because we’re about to win an election, we’re happy because we know who we are. We’re not afraid to say what we think, and we’re prepared to fight for what we believe.”
Her assertion about the volatile nature of politics leaves room for optimism, suggesting that the Tories could still emerge as a credible alternative to Labour. “The current polling shows a hung parliament, no party getting an overall majority,” she acknowledged while indicating that the Conservatives are poised to rally in uncertain times.
As political dynamics continue to shift, Badenoch’s remarks underline the Conservative Party’s intent to reinforce its identity against a backdrop of significant electoral challenges and internal party issues.
