Nigel Farage has categorically ruled out any possibility of Reform UK forming a political alliance with the Conservative Party, following comments made by Robert Jenrick that hinted at a potential right-wing coalition.
Speaking with characteristic bluntness, the Reform UK leader dismissed the idea outright.
“We’re not going to do a deal with a Conservative Party that gave us record tax levels since the war, mass migration, I could go on – a list as long as your arm.”
Nigel Farage
Farage’s remarks came in response to a leaked recording of Mr Jenrick addressing a student event last month, in which the shadow justice secretary expressed his hopes of unifying the political right in the fight against Labour.
Although Mr Jenrick has since distanced himself from any suggestion that he is advocating for a formal pact between the Tories and Reform UK, Farage left no ambiguity in his response.
“It’s not happening, Our voters came to us from the Conservatives because they felt so betrayed by the Conservatives.”
Nigel Farage
He emphasized that Reform UK was building a movement distinct from the Conservative Party, adding, “Why would we want to ally to a Conservative Party we don’t agree with and, frankly, we see as a failing brand?”
Farage even suggested that if Mr Jenrick truly aligns with Reform’s ideals, “maybe he’s in the wrong party.” He added that Reform UK would consider welcoming him “if we thought he was genuine.”
“This is Robert generic, this is Robert the remainer, this is Robert the ‘I don’t stand particularly for anything at all’ who suddenly seems to be on this Damascene conversion. So I’m not sure whether he really means it.”
Nigel Farage
Positioning his party for electoral victory, Farage said their focus was clear: “to win the next election.” He dismissed the notion that Reform and Conservative voters would see eye-to-eye, insisting, “Most of our members think the Tory party failed despicably in the last government – and I agree with them.”
Farage’s “Over Diagnosing” Comment Draws SEND Backlash
However, the Reform UK leader’s week took a further hit after drawing widespread criticism over unrelated comments he made concerning mental health and children with special educational needs (SEND).
At a press conference in Dover, Farage accused general practitioners of “over diagnosing” mental health conditions and criticized how young people are being labeled.
“It’s a massive problem. I have to say, for my own money, when you get to 18 and you put somebody on a disability register, unemployed, with a high level of benefits, you’re telling people aged 18 that they’re victims.
“And if you are told you’re a victim, and you think you’re a victim, you are likely to stay [a victim].”
Nigel Farage
Farage’s remarks prompted a swift and scathing rebuke from leading charities, particularly the National Autistic Society (NAS), which accused him of promoting harmful stereotypes and falsehoods.
“Nigel Farage’s comments are wildly inaccurate and show that he’s completely out of touch with what autistic children and adults have to go through to get a diagnosis or any support at all.”
National Autistic Society (NAS)
The charity firmly rejected Farage’s claim that GPs were behind autism diagnoses. “For the record, absolutely no one has got an autism diagnosis through the GP – this is just incorrect, wrong, fake news,” it stated.
“Children with SEND and disabled adults, including autistic people, are not victims who are being ‘over diagnosed’.
“They are people who face huge delays and long fights to get the most basic support across every aspect of their lives, including diagnosis, education, health and social care.”
National Autistic Society (NAS)
As Farage’s popularity among disillusioned Conservatives continues to grow, his recent remarks may alienate voters concerned about healthcare and disability rights, issues increasingly central to the national conversation.
READ ALSO: Free Sanitary Pads Initiative: Ghana Cautioned against Pitfalls
