ROBERT Jenrick has refused to shut down talk of a pact with Reform UK after Nigel Farage’s party surged past Labour in a bombshell poll.
The Shadow Justice Secretary insisted Reform “have no intention” of doing a deal — but stopped short of ruling it out himself.
PAShadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick[/caption]
Tory leader Kemi BadenochAFP
Political Editor Harry Cole grilling Robert Jenrick
Mr Jenrick swerved questions on whether he would be doing better than Kemi Badenoch at the polls
It comes after Tory chief Kemi Badenoch this month strongly came out against the idea, saying: “Nigel Farage says he wants to destroy the Conservative Party.
“Why on earth would we merge with that?”
But appearing on our Never Mind The Ballots show, Mr Jenrick left the door open to future cooperation, insisting the Tories must win back disillusioned right-wing voters.
Ms Badenoch’s former leadership rival said: “Reform themselves are saying they don’t want to. Reform has said repeatedly they have no intention of doing this. Kemi has said she has no intention.”
Mr Jenrick added: “My whole mission is to bring home all the small-c conservatives in this country back to the Conservative Party. We should be their natural home. We’re not at the moment, because of the mistakes we made in office. It can be done.”
His remarks will fuel speculation about a possible rapprochement between the two parties after a poll this week put Reform ahead of Labour.
The YouGov poll put Reform on 25 per cent – one point ahead of Labour and four points ahead of the Tories.
Mr Jenrick also swerved questions over whether he would be polling better as leader.
He said: “Kemi is our leader. I chose to serve in the shadow cabinet because I believe she would be a success and she is working extremely hard. It’s going to be a long road.”
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