The political row between Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage has intensified, with former Tory MP and now Reform UK mayoral candidate for Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns, calling out the Tories for their “arrogant” approach to dealing with Reform’s rise. Speaking on GB News, Jenkyns accused the Conservatives of going about things “the wrong way” and said their handling of the situation shows a lack of leadership.
The controversy stems from a Mail on Sunday report claiming that Badenoch urged GB News executives to limit Nigel Farage’s airtime, calling the channel “a haven for her critics.” The allegation follows Badenoch’s Boxing Day tweet accusing Reform of falsifying their membership numbers—a claim now discredited by independent audits from major media outlets.
Jenkyns, who left the Conservative Party over disagreements with Badenoch’s leadership, said the Tories are clearly worried about Reform’s growing influence. “Instead of attacking Reform, they should focus on strong leadership to bring back disillusioned members,” she said.
Reform UK claims to have 150,000 members, surpassing the Conservatives’ last reported figure of 130,000. This, combined with polling suggesting Reform could win up to 72 seats in a general election, has sparked alarm among the Tories.
Jenkyns pointed out that many former Conservative voters and activists are now aligning with Reform. She said the party’s message resonates with ordinary people, particularly in Labour-dominated areas like Yorkshire, where polling indicates Reform could make significant gains. “People are tired of the same old politics. They want common-sense solutions, and that’s what we’re offering,” she added.
Jenkyns criticized Badenoch’s response to the situation, describing her as an ineffective leader. She referenced a recent interview where Badenoch suggested Jenkyns didn’t like her personally. “It’s not about liking someone—it’s about leadership. She needs to show she can deliver, not just talk,” Jenkyns said.
She also expressed frustration over the Conservatives’ attempts to discredit Reform, saying it’s counterproductive. “Reform has every right to exist. Instead of smearing us, the Tories should be figuring out how to win back the trust of their members,” she argued.
With Labour struggling to gain momentum and the Conservatives facing internal divisions, Jenkyns believes Reform is well-positioned to challenge both major parties. She highlighted Reform’s potential to appeal to voters from across the political spectrum, saying the party is building a movement aimed at delivering real change.
When asked about the possibility of a Conservative-Reform alliance, Jenkyns dismissed the idea, citing Badenoch’s rhetoric as a major barrier. “It’s too late for that now. Reform is its own movement, and we’re focused on growing and delivering our vision,” she said.
As local elections approach, Jenkyns is confident Reform will make significant gains, particularly in Labour heartlands. She also hinted at surprising results in council elections, despite potential resistance from Conservative-led councils.
“Neither Labour nor the Conservatives are safe,” she warned. “The British public is ready for something new.”
With four years until the next general election, Reform UK’s rise continues to shake up British politics, leaving both major parties scrambling to respond.
