Reform UK has firmly slapped down claims that local Reform and Tory party branches are discussing electoral pacts for next year’s local elections.
This afternoon, Bloomberg reported that local party groups have held discussions about unofficially teaming up to give Labour a better chance of getting a bloody nose.
If agreed to, the deals would see Tory candidates stand down in areas Reform had a better chance of winning, particularly in the so-called red wall. The reverse would take place elsewhere in the country.
The local elections will be a key test for all party leaders, with Reform and the LibDems hoping to capitalise on their gains in this year’s general election.
While Labour’s support has collapsed since July, the Tories are most concerned about the vote.
Of the council seats up for election next May, 1,335 are Conservative, compared to just 315 LibDems and 309 Labour.
They were also last fought in 2021, when Boris Johnson was at the height of his popularity, meaning Kemi Badenoch faces an uphill battle just to stand still.
Compared to the 2021 elections, the Tories are 10 points down on Boris Johnson’s then-support, with Labour down just 3 points by comparison.
The claims of any pact ahead of the local elections have been instantly denied by Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf, however, taking to Twitter to say: “Let me be crystal clear: there will be no pacts.”
A Reform source added that the story is “fake”, and they will be standing “a full slate of candidates and campaigning hard across the country for every seat and vote”.
Reform has continued gaining momentum in the past few weeks, with several high-profile defections from the Tories.
These have included former MPs Dame Andrea Jenkyns and Aidan Burley; Suella Braverman’s husband Rael; and their new party treasurer Nick Candy.
Mr Candy, unveiled yesterday, announced plans to raise over £40 million for the party and personally contributed £1 million.
The party’s growth has attracted attention from Elon Musk, who has become increasingly vocal in his support for Mr Farage and dislike of Keir Starmer.
Yesterday, Mr Musk tweeted: “When is the first electoral opportunity?”.
Mr Farage replied: “The first step is the English County Council election on May 1st 2025. Britain Needs Reform.”
The Tories were approached for comment.
