Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party are shaking up British politics, causing serious concern for the Conservative Party. Speaking on GB News, Richard Fuller, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, admitted that the Tories “should be worried” about Reform UK’s growing popularity. He even hinted that the Conservatives might need to consider working with Farage to prevent Labour from holding power after the next general election.
Farage recently spoke at the Spectator’s Parliamentarian of the Year Awards, where he boldly announced that a “political revolution” is on the way. He claimed that in the next general election, Reform UK could bring “hundreds of newcomers” into Parliament, describing it as the biggest political shake-up since Labour’s rise after World War I.
During the GB News interview, Fuller admitted that the Conservative Party risks splitting the right-wing vote with Reform UK, which could hand Labour a large majority. He explained that uniting opposition parties is important to challenge Labour’s policies, like the Jobs Tax and cuts to the winter fuel allowance. However, Fuller also said that any alliance with Farage would require a major change in attitude from him.
“You don’t go into a discussion with someone who says they want to destroy you,” Fuller said, referring to Farage’s past comments about wanting to “destroy the Conservative Party.” He suggested that Farage needs to rethink his approach if there’s ever going to be a partnership between the two parties.
The Conservative Party is also reflecting on its past mistakes. Fuller admitted that the decision to remove Boris Johnson as Prime Minister was a mistake that hurt the party. He said, “We should not have got rid of Boris Johnson midterm. That was a mistake.” He explained that Johnson’s leadership kept Reform UK at “zero,” but the party’s struggles since then have allowed Farage’s movement to grow.
Fuller also acknowledged that the Conservatives have failed to deliver on key promises, including immigration reform and tax cuts, which disappointed voters. He said the party needs to get back to being a party that helps families by reducing taxes and focusing on the economy.
Farage’s rise has been a direct result of voter dissatisfaction with the Conservatives. Fuller admitted that many Reform UK supporters were once Conservative voters. He warned that if the right-wing vote remains divided, it could result in another Labour government, which he believes would harm the country.
When asked about the possibility of a secret deal with Farage’s party, Fuller said it is too early to tell. He suggested that the Conservatives and Reform UK might need to have serious conversations before the next general election. He also emphasized that opposition parties must find common ground to fight Labour, but Farage would have to stop attacking the Tories for any deal to work.
As local elections approach, the stakes are high for the Conservatives. Fuller highlighted that these elections are important for deciding who runs local councils and shaping the party’s future. However, he warned that Farage’s rise could result in more Labour councillors and higher local taxes, something he believes would hurt voters.
Nigel Farage, meanwhile, continues to position himself as a voice for those frustrated with traditional politics. Whether this leads to a partnership with the Conservatives or further division on the right remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Farage is changing the political landscape and making his presence felt in Westminster.
