Richard Tice and Jacob Rees-Mogg got in a blistering spat after the Reform MP asked him to abandon the Tories.
Appearing on GB News this week, Reform UK deputy leader Tice made an appeal to ex-Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, inviting him to defect and join them.
They were discussing the need to “unite the right”, with 70% of Tory members believing that Reform is the Conservatives’ biggest obstacle.
Tice told Rees-Mogg: “You’re a real conservative. The actual Conservative Party is a left-leaning establishment bunch of folk that doesn’t want those real conservative values.”
“You’re in danger of being in no man’s land and I want to give you that warm embrace to Reform.”
Rees-Mogg defended the Tories, emphasising its national significance and its dedication to right-wing values.
He responded: “When I address Conservative Associations around the country, they are all on our side. The Conservative Party as an institution is on our side.”
Tice hit back: “The members are real conservatives. Your parliamentary party are soffy, left-leaning Lib Dems who are a bit confused.”
Rees-Mogg replies: “I’m not trying to defend the last couple of years of Conservative government. We talked ‘right’ and acted ‘left’. But Kemi Badenoch is actually conservative.”
He suggested Reform’s role is to keep the Tories true to their values, stating: “Reform is important because it makes sure the Conservative Party remains conservative.”
Ress-Mogg later shared the exchange on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Reform is a conservative party but not The Conservative Party.”
The exchange comes as Reform UK announces property tycoon Nick Candy, husband of Australian singer Holly Valance, will be its new treasurer.
