Badenoch Slams Reform Defectors as 'Most Dishonest People' 2026

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has called Reform defectors 'some of the most dishonest people' she has ever met, as she firmly ruled out any election deal with Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Speaking at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Badenoch dismissed the possibility of a coalition and criticized those who left the party during its lowest point.

Badenoch's Strong Words on Reform Defectors

At the event hosted by Iain Dale, Badenoch did not mince words. She described the defectors as 'some of the most dishonest people I have ever met in my entire life', and made it clear that there is no path back for them. She specifically mentioned that she is not 'entertaining' parliamentarians who have had indirect approaches from previous defectors, and she does not want 'drama queens' in the party.

Who Are the Defectors?

Several prominent figures have left the Conservatives for Reform, including former home secretary Suella Braverman and former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick. Jenrick, who was sacked by Badenoch for plotting against her, called his former party 'rotten' and 'failed'. Badenoch hit back, saying: 'These are people who left us when we were at our lowest, many of them the people who caused the problems in the first place and then ran away and pretended they had nothing to do with it. Why should we have them back?'

Badenoch's Rejection of Coalition

Badenoch insisted there would be no coalition with Reform UK, calling Farage's party 'all over the place' and suggesting it announces a policy and forgets it the following day. This firm stance comes amid speculation about potential electoral pacts, but Badenoch has drawn a clear line in the sand.

Polling and Political Landscape

The latest Ipsos voting intention poll, conducted between 30 July and 4 August, shows Labour leading with 28% support, Reform UK second with 25%, and the Conservatives trailing at 18%. This data highlights the competitive nature of the current political environment and the challenges facing the Conservative Party under Badenoch's leadership.

These numbers underscore the fragmentation of the right-wing vote and the uphill battle Badenoch faces in rebuilding her party's appeal. The next general election must be called by August 2029, though Prime Minister Andy Burnham could call one earlier.

Key Takeaways

• Badenoch has ruled out any coalition or election deal with Reform UK.
• She described defectors as 'most dishonest people' and refused to welcome them back.
• Prominent defectors include Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick.
• Polling shows Labour leading, with Reform UK second and Conservatives third.
• The political landscape remains volatile ahead of the next election.

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