Kemi Badenoch has launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage, claiming the Reform UK leader is 'having a breakdown' due to the threat posed by Rupert Lowe and his Restore Britain party. The Conservative leader accused Mr Farage of running scared as the right-wing vote risks being split in the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
Badenoch's Attack on Reform UK
Speaking after a speech in London, Mrs Badenoch said: 'I think that Reform, they are clearly having some kind of breakdown. Whether it is because of Rupert Lowe or whatever.' She also criticised Mr Farage for avoiding press conferences following revelations about a £5 million gift from billionaire donor Christopher Harborne.
'It is very interesting that ever since the fishy £5 million story broke, he has not had a press conference, because he doesn't want to face the sort of questioning that I face every day,' she added. However, Mr Farage did hold a press conference in Makerfield last week, though regular London briefings have ceased.
Makerfield By-Election Dynamics
The by-election in Makerfield sees Labour candidate Andy Burnham aiming to return to Parliament, which would allow him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership. An Opinium poll suggests Mr Burnham could secure 46% of the vote, Reform 41%, and Restore Britain 7%, highlighting how a split right-wing vote could hand victory to Labour.
Mrs Badenoch's comments come as Restore Britain, led by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, campaigns to maximise its vote share, potentially preventing Reform from winning the seat.
Defence Spending Demands
During her London speech, Mrs Badenoch also demanded that the Prime Minister resign if he cannot deliver a defence investment plan that meets three key tests. The plan, delayed after Defence Secretary John Healey resigned last week, proposed £13.5 billion in spending instead of the £28 billion over four years requested by defence chiefs.
Mrs Badenoch called for defence spending to reach 3% of GDP by 2030, with a minimum of £28 billion over four years. She insisted that spending must not be 'backloaded' into the next Parliament and must equip the armed forces with modern technology, including drones and counter-drone systems.
'If the Prime Minister is unable to provide the leadership within his Cabinet to deliver a defence investment plan that meets these three tests, he should resign now and make way for a leader who can,' she stated.
Welfare Cuts Offer
Mrs Badenoch also offered to lend Conservative MPs' votes to Sir Keir Starmer or another prime minister to pass welfare cuts through Parliament, aiming to fund defence increases. She referenced the Government's struggles to pass welfare reforms last summer due to Labour MP concerns over impacts on disabled people.
'My party is going to work with any Labour leader in the national interest to cut the benefits bill to pay for defence,' she said.
