Could Reform UK and the Tories become one party?

In some quarters, enthusiasm is growing to 'unite the right' and form a bloc, but it is a long way short of happening

- SEAN O'GRADY

In unguarded remarks earlier in this year, Robert Jenrick privately expressed himself to be in support of the somewhat underground “unite the right” movement that aims to combine the Conservatives and Reform UK into one supposedly unbeatable political force.

Now, longstanding Nigel Farage ally Gawain Towler has opened up the debate on the other side. Reform’s UK former communications director suggests the parties could merge, in part, after the next election. It’s a project that some will be pursuing from now until the general election and after, but has met with some resistance...

What did Gawain Towler say?

Reflecting on Jenrick’s ambition as a former Tory leadership candidate, Towler remarked that some Tory MPs would seek ties with Reform because they wouldn’t wish to demean themselves by leading a useless “rump party” in the shadow of a huge bloc of Reform MPs (which would be the outcome of the next election if current opinion polls are correct). Drawing a disparaging comparison to Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey, Towler said: “This is not a man who’s gonna spend his time on trampolines and going down water flumes as a third-party leader.” He added: “I could possibly see him bringing a small handful over with him, but it could work; there are all sorts of ways.”

What does Jenrick think?