A recent survey conducted by a rightwing thinktank revealed that 53% of Conservative Party members are in favour of merging with Reform UK. The poll also showed that a significant 70% of members expressed their desire for a closer relationship with Nigel Farage’s party. This survey, which took place from September 23 to 27, involved 470 Tory members and was commissioned by the Popular Conservatism (PopCon) organisation, founded by former prime minister Liz Truss.
Annunziata Rees-Mogg, Head of Communications at PopCon and a former Brexit Party MEP, highlighted the sentiment within the party, stating, “Every Conservative activist and canvasser knows people who had been Tories but voted Reform UK in July.” She emphasised the need for the next party leader to take steps to reclaim lost voters and unite the right. Annunziata’s brother Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a former Conservative cabinet minister, has also advocated for an electoral pact between the Tories and Reform UK.
Sir Jacob, who is closely associated with Nigel Farage and GB News, suggested that the Conservative Party should consider standing aside in approximately 100 seats where Reform came second to Labour in the previous election. With Reform UK securing five seats and four million votes in the last general election, Sir Jacob proposed a “big and generous offer” to bolster right-wing unity ahead of future elections.
Reflecting on the Tory party’s 244-seat drop in the last general election, Sir John Curtice, a prominent pollster, emphasised the importance for Conservatives to strategize effectively, particularly in dealing with smaller parties. He underlined the evolving landscape of multi-party politics and advised the Tories not to overlook the influence of smaller parties.
As the Conservative Party navigates a leadership contest, discussions around potential partnerships with Reform UK and strategies for electoral success are at the forefront. The call for unity among right-leaning parties reflects a growing sentiment within the party membership and underscores the need for a cohesive approach in the evolving political landscape.