Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (Image: Getty)

Kemi Badenoch has said she would rather fight two general elections in quick succession than form a coalition with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in a hung parliament. The Tory leader insisted party members at their annual conference felt “happy because we know who we are” despite lagging behind Labour and Reform in opinion polls.

Asked if the party’s mood meant it was in denial, Mrs Badenoch said: “We are feeling chipper because we are going back to first principles.” She acknowledged that the Conservatives are “not out of the woods yet” after the devastating 2024 general election defeat, with polling showing its popularity is lower than at that time.

But she added: “People at conference aren’t happy because we’re about to win an election, we’re happy because we know who we are. We’re not afraid to say what we think, and we’re prepared to fight for what we believe.

Mrs Badenoch claimed the “volatile” nature of politics means the Tories could win at the next election.

She added: “I’m not saying that we would win. The current polling shows a hung parliament, no party getting an overall majority.

Asked if she would consider a coalition with Reform in a hung parliament, she appeared to rule out the possibility, telling the BBC: “I have said that we would have another election if there was no overall majority.”

Kemi Badenoch Issues Brutal Verdict on Forming Coalition With Nigel Farage

Kemi Badenoch has delivered a firm rejection of the prospect of forming a coalition government with Nigel Farage, making clear that the Conservative Party would rather fight another general election than enter into a political agreement with Reform UK. Her comments have intensified the debate over the future of Britain’s political right and raised fresh questions about whether the Conservatives and Reform UK could ever work together.

Speaking during an interview with the BBC at the Conservative Party conference in October 2026, Badenoch was asked whether she would consider joining forces with Farage if the next general election produced a hung Parliament. Her response left little room for interpretation. Rather than negotiating a coalition agreement, she suggested that Britain could simply return to the polls.

The Conservative leader argued that her party should not abandon its political identity simply to secure positions in government. She insisted that voters who want a Conservative government should support the Conservatives directly rather than expect the party to enter an arrangement with Reform UK.

Badenoch also made a distinction between Reform’s voters and its political leadership. She said she liked Reform voters and wanted them to return to the Conservative Party, but criticised the conduct of several figures associated with Farage’s organisation.

She accused Reform of becoming entangled in controversies and argued that its internal problems would make cooperation difficult. Her message was that the Conservatives should concentrate on rebuilding their own reputation rather than entering a coalition that could create further political complications.

The remarks represent a significant moment in the relationship between two parties competing for many of the same voters. Reform UK has attracted support from people who previously backed the Conservatives, particularly over immigration, taxation, national sovereignty and dissatisfaction with established politicians.

Nigel Farage has repeatedly presented Reform as an alternative to what he describes as a failed political establishment. His party argues that Britain needs fundamental changes to immigration policy, public spending, economic management and government accountability.

Richard Tice has also played an important role in developing Reform’s economic programme, arguing for lower taxation, reduced bureaucracy and greater support for private businesses.

However, Badenoch believes that the Conservatives should not simply become a junior partner in Farage’s political project. She wants to rebuild the party around its own principles and persuade former Conservative supporters that it can once again offer a credible programme for government.

Her position has exposed disagreements within Conservative ranks. Some senior figures believe that cooperation with Reform could be necessary if the next election produces a hung Parliament. Former Conservative minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has previously argued that refusing an agreement with Farage could be politically unwise if it prevented a right-wing government from taking office.

Other Conservatives, however, share Badenoch’s concerns about the consequences of a formal coalition. They fear that combining the two parties could create disagreements over economic policy, immigration, defence and the leadership of government.

Badenoch has also warned that Conservative MPs who defect to Reform should not expect to return to the party. This reflects her determination to establish a clear political distinction between the two organisations.

The disagreement is particularly important because both parties are attempting to attract voters who are dissatisfied with Labour. Immigration remains one of the central dividing issues, with both Reform and the Conservatives advocating stricter controls, although their approaches and proposed policies are not identical.

Economic policy presents another area of competition. Badenoch has emphasised economic growth, lower taxation and fiscal discipline. Farage has similarly criticised government spending and taxation, but Reform must also demonstrate how its proposals would be financed and implemented.

The possibility of a coalition would therefore involve much more than agreeing to oppose Labour. Both parties would need to establish common policies, decide how ministerial responsibilities would be distributed and determine who would lead the government.

Badenoch’s comments suggest that she does not believe such an arrangement is necessary or desirable. She has instead argued that another election would give voters an opportunity to make a fresh decision if no party secured a parliamentary majority.

Nevertheless, her position could prove controversial among Conservative supporters who believe that cooperation with Reform may be the most practical way of achieving shared political objectives.

The disagreement also creates an important challenge for Farage. Reform UK has presented itself as a party capable of replacing the Conservatives, rather than simply supporting them. Badenoch’s refusal to consider a coalition reinforces the competition between the two leaders and makes clear that she wants Reform voters to return to the Conservative fold.

Ultimately, the debate concerns the future structure of British politics. For decades, the Conservatives and Labour dominated national elections. Reform UK’s emergence has challenged that traditional arrangement and created greater competition among parties seeking to represent voters on the right.

In conclusion, Kemi Badenoch’s rejection of a coalition with Nigel Farage has established a clear dividing line between the Conservatives and Reform UK. While both parties share certain political priorities, their leaders disagree over whether cooperation is the appropriate route to government. Badenoch wants to rebuild an independent Conservative Party, while Farage continues to promote Reform as an alternative to the established political order. Whether their differences eventually lead to further political confrontation or a change in strategy will depend on future parliamentary negotiations and the decisions of voters. For now, Badenoch has made her position clear: she wants a Conservative government rather than a formal Conservative-Reform coalition.