Kemi Badenoch is facing mounting pressure from Conservative MPs to strike an election pact with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, as fears grow that a split Right-wing vote could hand Labour another major victory.
A growing Tory rebellion is calling for the Conservatives and Reform to “unite the Right” before the next general election, with MPs warning that both parties could lose seats if they continue fighting for the same voters.
The pressure comes after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation sparked speculation that Labour could seek an early election under a new leader to strengthen its position.
Several Conservative MPs believe a deal with Reform could be the only way to prevent another Labour government, arguing that Britain’s first-past-the-post voting system means divided opposition votes could allow Labour to win key constituencies.
One Tory MP said: “The national interest is served by preventing another Labour majority.”
The MP added that Conservatives and Reform should begin discussions before an election campaign begins, with the aim of maximising the number of seats won by both parties.
Another Conservative warned: “It is absolutely essential that the Right unite, because if they don’t the Left certainly will.”
The proposals being discussed range from a formal electoral pact to softer cooperation, including limiting attacks on each other during campaigns and encouraging tactical voting where one party has a stronger chance of winning.
A new tactical voting website, Unite the Right UK, has already emerged, using polling data to highlight constituencies where Reform or Conservative candidates could benefit from voters concentrating support behind one candidate.
Supporters of an agreement argue that both parties are competing for similar voters and risk cancelling each other out.
Conservative MP Edward Leigh said: “It is a mathematical certainty that under the first-past-the-post system that if you have two Right-wing parties competing in every constituency then you will end up with a Left-wing government.”
But any deal faces a major obstacle — Nigel Farage himself.
The Reform UK leader has repeatedly rejected working with the Conservatives, accusing the party of betraying voters after 14 years in power.
Farage previously said: “After 14 years of dishonesty and lies they should never be forgiven. The idea I would work with them is ludicrous.”
Mrs Badenoch has also ruled out an electoral pact, insisting the Conservatives and Reform are not the same party and have different political priorities.
The row exposes a major battle on the Right over the future of British politics.
Conservatives fear losing more voters to Reform, while Reform argues it can only succeed by replacing the Conservatives rather than working with them.
With speculation mounting over the timing of the next election, pressure is building on both Badenoch and Farage to decide whether they are rivals fighting for the same voters — or potential partners trying to stop Labour returning to power.
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