Understand
Kemi Badenoch rules out deal with Reform UK, preferring another election
Overview
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has stated that she would prefer another general election rather than form a deal with Reform UK in the event of a hung parliament. In an interview with the BBC, Badenoch criticised Reform as being embroiled in scandal and urged its voters to return to the Conservatives. Additionally, during the Conservative Party conference, she pledged to cut employer National Insurance contributions for 21 to 24-year-olds to help reduce youth unemployment.
Key points
- Kemi Badenoch stated she would rather have another general election than make a deal with Reform UK to secure power.
- Badenoch claimed Nigel Farage's party is 'neck deep in scandal' and joining forces would create constant problems.
- Current polling suggests a hung parliament at the next election, with Labour leading, followed by Reform and the Tories.
- Badenoch announced a policy change to halve the rate of employer National Insurance contributions for 21 to 24-year-olds to tackle rising youth unemployment.
- The Conservatives are attempting to position themselves as the authentic alternative to Labour and hope to surpass Reform in the polls.