Nigel Farage has denied Reform would do a take care of the Conservatives after Robert Jenrick made “coalition” feedback.
In a leaked recording obtained by Sam Coates earlier this week, Mr Jenrick, who got here second within the Tory management vote, advised a pupil occasion final month he’s “determined” for the combat from the fitting in opposition to Labour “to be united”.
“One way or another, I’m determined to do that and to bring this coalition together and make sure we unite as a nation as well,” he mentioned.
Mr Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has since denied any suggestion this implies he’s advocating a Tory-Reform UK pact.
However talking on Thursday, Mr Farage was clear that may not be occurring anyway.
“It’s not happening, our voters came to us from the Conservatives because they felt so betrayed by the Conservatives,” he mentioned.
“Why would we [join forces], given what we’re building here, why would we want to ally to a Conservative Party we don’t agree with and, frankly, we see as a failing brand.”
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Mr Farage added that if Mr Jenrick does agree with what Reform stands for “maybe he’s in the wrong party”.
He mentioned Reform would welcome him “if we thought he was genuine”.
Nevertheless, he added: “This is Robert generic, this is Robert the remainer, this is Robert the ‘I don’t stand particularly for anything at all’ who suddenly seems to be on this Damascene conversion
“So I am undecided whether or not he actually means it.”
The Reform leader said his party’s priority was “to win the following election” and the idea Reform and Conservative supporters will agree on the same things “is not going to occur”.
“Most of our members suppose the Tory get together failed despicably within the final authorities – and I agree with them,” he mentioned.