Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has proposed a controversial plan to potentially save the Conservative Party from electoral defeat by forming an election pact with Nigel Farage and other top figures from Reform UK. Rees-Mogg suggested that Farage, along with Richard Tice and Ben Habib, should be allowed to become Tory MPs and even join the government in key positions. This idea is reminiscent of the partnership between the Brexit Party and the Conservatives in 2019 to secure a majority against Labour.
Rees-Mogg believes that by incorporating Farage and other Reform UK members into the Conservative Party, along with pursuing conservative policies, the Tories could have a better chance at winning the next election. However, Farage expressed concerns about the level of distrust towards the Conservative Party among voters, particularly regarding immigration issues. He emphasized the ideological differences between himself and many members of the Conservative Party.
Despite Rees-Mogg’s optimism about gaining support from Tory MPs and voters for a potential alliance with Reform UK, the proposal has faced criticism within the party. The Daily Telegraph reported that sources within the party have rejected the idea of allowing Reform figures to stand as Conservatives in the general election. Furthermore, Reform UK leader Richard Tice reiterated his party’s stance of not making any deals with the Tories, citing the Conservatives’ lack of trustworthiness and failure to deliver on promises.
Overall, Rees-Mogg’s attempt to form an election pact with Reform UK faces challenges and lacks support within the Conservative Party. Farage and Tice remain skeptical of such an alliance, emphasizing their party’s commitment to its policies and values.
