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Kemi Badenoch supports local Conservative alliances with Reform UK
As local elections in England approach, Conservative Party leaders, including Kemi Badenoch, are adjusting their strategies amid an ongoing parliamentary recess. While the spotlight remains on President Trump’s unpredictable tariffs and their implications for international trade, Badenoch’s recent remarks on BBC Breakfast have sparked discussions about local political alliances. She has indicated that Conservative councillors may consider partnerships with Reform UK to maintain control over councils, particularly if they do not secure a majority.
When asked whether she would dismiss any potential agreements between the Conservative Party and Reform UK, Badenoch responded firmly:
I have stated clearly that I will not be forming deals with Reform. Nigel Farage has openly expressed a desire to dismantle the Conservative Party. When someone aims to undermine you, it is unwise to invite them in for business.
At the local level, coalitions are a reality we face. I have observed Conservatives forming alliances with Labour, Liberal Democrats, and independents alike. Local elections do not allow for a second chance.
What I advise our local leaders is to prioritize the needs of their communities while adhering to Conservative values—such as fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention.
Leaders elected by their constituents must determine the best path for their councils.
However, at the national level, I did not assume leadership of the Conservative Party to hand it over to Reform.
While Badenoch’s statements reflect a common practice in local governance, where parties without a majority might partner, national leaders typically refrain from explicitly endorsing these collaborations. Under Keir Starmer, Labour has been known to veto council agreements with other parties. Badenoch’s endorsement of local deals may bolster Labour’s claims of alignment between the Conservatives and Reform UK, especially as Labour highlights that 60 Reform UK candidates previously defected from the Conservative Party. Recently, Labour rolled out an advertisement asserting:
Reform and the Tories are more alike than you think. No plans, no solutions, just further chaos.
Drive change in Britain. Vote Labour on Thursday, May 1.
The campaign’s message has drawn criticism, and it emphasizes the potential consequences of Conservative alliances with Reform UK.
Below is the schedule of noteworthy events for the day.
9.30am: NHS England is set to release its monthly performance statistics.
9.30am: The Home Office will issue its annual report on cybersecurity breaches.
Morning: Keir Starmer and Deputy PM Angela Rayner will visit the site of the reopening plans for Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Morning: Kemi Badenoch is scheduled for outreach in northern England.
11am: Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, will campaign in Derbyshire before heading to Staffordshire.
Early afternoon: Starmer will travel to Cambridgeshire with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss increasing police foot patrols during busy periods.
2pm (UK time): Defence Secretary John Healey and his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu will hold discussions in Brussels with defence ministers from over 30 allied nations regarding Ukraine’s security in potential peace agreements.
As the election season intensifies, the political climate will likely evolve, bringing various challenges and opportunities for all parties involved.
Source
www.theguardian.com