Kemi Badenoch has received a warning about the threat posed by Nigel Farage as Reform UK continues to bite into Tory support.
The Leader of the Opposition, who today faced fury from Farage over the Tory Party’s handling of immigration, was urged to accept the Reform UK leader’s communication skills ahead of a major test in 2025.
Former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly issued the latest warning, telling LBC: “She’s also got to recognise that Nigel Farage is a very, very effective communicator.”
Cleverly added: “He’s very good at tapping into frustrations and very, very good at amplifying some of the genuine concerns that are experienced by the British people.”
Kemi Badenoch with insets of Nigel Farage and James Cleverly
PA
In a swipe against Farage, Cleverly also said: “He has never been good at offering up solutions to those concerns and problems.
“That is always going to be the responsibility of us as a party, and that makes our job a little bit harder. Pointing at problems is easy.”
However, Farage is consistently accusing the Tories of failing to deliver during their 14-year stint in power, often pointing to immigration as a key example of broken promises.
Cleverly’s intervention comes as Reform UK continues to build momentum ahead of the 2025 Local Elections.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Nigel FaragePA Farage unveiled a dual defection after ex-Tory donor Nick Candy and former Conservative MP Aidan Burley joined the populist party’s ranks.
Candy and Burley were welcomed into Reform UK’s inner circle after ex-Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns, conservative commentator Tim Montgomerie and Suella Braverman’s husband Rael crossed the floor.
Speaking about his defection, Candy said: “I have today resigned my membership of the Conservative Party after many years of active support and substantial donations to the party.
“I am sorry to say there have been too many broken promises and a complete breach of trust with the wealth creators in our country.
Kemi BadenochPA“Nigel Farage is a close personal friend of mine, and Reform UK represents the future of British politics.
“I am pleased to announce that I will now become the Treasurer for Reform UK and intend to raise enough funds for them to win the next general election. I will take up the role in the new year.”
Welcoming Reform UK’s latest high-profile member, Farage added: “I warmly welcome this decision.
“We are the fastest-growing movement in British politics today, and Nick’s efforts will help Reform UK transform our country.”