Leaders of the Conservative Party in Britain expressed strong aversion to cooperating with the Reform Party led by Nigel Farage at their annual conference. Words like "detestable" and "betrayal" clearly indicate negative feelings towards the Reformists. These tensions have intensified significantly following the departure of several prominent figures from the Conservative Party, including Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, in January of this year.
Continuing Tensions Between the Two Parties
While Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has not firmly spoken about cooperating with the Reformists, she cannot completely rule out this option. In private and public discussions during the conference, many Tories strongly attacked the Reform Party. Badenoch stated in an interview, "They are just not our kind of people," clearly indicating her disdain for the Reformists.
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Despite these negative sentiments, some senior advisors of the Conservative Party pointed out that if Badenoch and Jenrick want to negotiate with the Reformists, they are unlikely to succeed. One senior party member explicitly stated, "These people (the Reformists) have been attacking those who should be discussing any agreements for two years now."
Difficult Choices for Badenoch
Badenoch also stated that she would prefer to force another general election rather than reach an agreement with the Reformists. This option seems to be the only practical way left for her. If a general election is held, polls indicate that votes among the right-wing will be sharply divided between the two parties, potentially benefiting the Labour Party.
If a political deadlock arises in the future, Badenoch will face a difficult choice: cooperate with Farage or allow the Labour Party to take power. The relationship between the Conservatives and Farage, who separated from the party in 1992, has always been tense and has intensified after the 2019 election.
In the past year, separations and political tensions have significantly impacted the relationship between the two parties. Jenrick has faced heavy criticism for his actions, and some Conservative Party members have left due to these tensions.
Badenoch mentioned in another interview that "the people in the Reform Party are in the midst of a deep scandal," and any agreement with them could lead to many problems. She also noted that people no longer see the Reformists as a desirable option.
Many Conservative Party members who oppose cooperation with the Reformists have been attending Tory conferences for years and clearly expressed that "there will never be a happy day when we collaborate with them." Some former ministers of the party also pointed out that Badenoch cannot trust the Reformists at all.
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