I'd rather have another election than do a deal with Reform UK, says Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch has stated that she would prefer another general election over forming a coalition with Reform UK to gain power if no party secures a majority in the next election. The Conservative Party leader informed the BBC that Nigel Farage's Reform party is mired in scandal and a partnership with them would "just be one problem after another."

Recent polling indicates a hung parliament at the upcoming election, with Labour expected to lead, followed by Reform and the Conservatives. As the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham draws to a close, Badenoch has committed to reducing the cost of hiring 21 to 24-year-olds by halving the employer national insurance (NI) contribution rate.

She aims to portray the Conservatives as distinct from the party that suffered a major loss in the 2024 general election. In her BBC interview, Badenoch emphasized the party's commitment to economic growth, reducing energy costs, stopping illegal immigration, and implementing policies to aid young people in finding employment. She argued that the Conservatives are the only viable alternative to Labour and that Reform voters should return to the Conservatives, citing recent arrests of key Reform figures for misconduct.

Badenoch highlighted the importance of attracting more support to the Conservatives in opinion polls before the election, potentially garnering additional backing if they can establish a small lead over Reform.