UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Dame Andrea Jenkyns denied rumours about a collaboration between Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Boris Johnson, calling the claims “fake news.”
Reform UK’s mayoral candidate rejected reports of a possible alliance with the Conservatives as speculation grew over senior Tories joining Nigel Farage’s party.
What did Andrea Jenkyns say about the collaboration of Reform UK and Conservatives?
During an interview on GB News’ Camilla Tominey Show, the ex-Tory MP refuted allegations of an electoral pact between Boris Johnson, Robert Jenrick, and Nigel Farage’s allies regarding a right-wing coalition.
Ms Jenkyns stated,
“This is just fake news. I know Boris, I know Robert [Jenrick]. They’re both friends. I know Nigel, he’s a friend and this just has not happened.”
She argued that the reports were a political tactic by Kemi Badenoch’s team aimed at damaging the credibility of both Reform UK and Robert Jenrick.
Andrea Jenkyns added,
“What I think is this is Kemi’s team briefing the media to make out that, number one because they’re behind in the polls, so to make it out that Robert is trying to do a deal and that Nigel cannot get a government in his own right, and to try and just discredit Robert.”
She linked the reports to her time in government, highlighting an earlier incident where misleading briefings had been circulated against Boris Johnson.
Ms Jenkyns pointed out Reform UK’s rising influence, referencing their latest polling figures against both Labour and the Conservatives.
When asked about a future alliance, she said it remains a possibility, adding,
“If we can’t secure a majority, we may consider it—but that’s four years away.”
She also revealed that Reform UK had 200,000 members now.
How did the Conservatives respond to the Reform UK – Conservative future alliance?
Robert Jenrick, Shadow Justice Secretary, said Farage’s party has no plans for an alliance but did not completely rule out a future agreement.
Speaking on The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, Mr Jenrick outlined his plans to bring small-c Conservatives back to the party, admitting past errors but expressing confidence in restoring their trust.
A spokesperson for the Conservative Party rejected the speculation of forming an electoral alliance, calling the reports “baseless,” stating, “The Conservative Party will not negotiate with people who want to destroy us.”
Previously, Kemi Badenoch also rejected the proposal of collaborating with Nigel Farage’s party, asking, “Why would we ever merge with that?”
What do the latest surveys reveal about Reform, Labour, and the Conservatives?
The rumours of a potential alliance spread after a recent poll showed Reform UK overtaking Labour and the Conservatives, becoming the country’s leading political party.
A new Sky News/YouGov poll places Nigel Farage’s party ahead for the first time, marking a significant shift in Britain’s politics. Reform UK leads with 25%, pushing Labour to 24%, while the Tories stand at 21%.
The survey also revealed Kemi Badenoch’s popularity has dipped, placing her behind Nigel Farage. Her net favorability rating has dropped from -25 last month to -29 now.
However, Farage’s popularity has improved, moving from -32 last month to -27, putting him ahead of Kemi Badenoch in public perception.
What did leading pollster John Curtice say about Reform UK’s dominance in recent polls?
Professor John Curtice stated that Reform UK’s surge in popularity is genuine and may continue until the next election.
Sir Curtice stated, “There is no reason to believe Reform’s vote is being significantly overstated.”
Mr Curtice’s analysis is supported by two prominent UK polling experts, Lord Robert Hayward and Luke Tryl from More in Common, who also acknowledged Reform UK’s rising support.