In a dramatic intervention revealing growing Conservative anxiety, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has made personal appeals to major party donors, urging them not to defect to Reform UK ahead of the looming general election.
The senior cabinet minister has been actively contacting financial backers who have supported her own political career, making a desperate case for continued loyalty as Nigel Farage's Reform party gains momentum in the polls.
Battle for Financial Survival
One significant donor confirmed to The Independent that they had received direct communication from Ms Badenoch, who framed the situation as critical for the Conservative Party's survival. "She's essentially begging people not to jump ship," the source revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The approach underscores the deepening crisis within Tory ranks as traditional supporters increasingly consider switching their allegiance to Reform UK, attracted by its harder line on immigration and Brexit purity.
Donor Exodus Threatens Election Campaign
Political insiders warn that a major donor defection could cripple the Conservatives' election war chest at the worst possible moment. With the party already trailing significantly in opinion polls, the loss of financial backing would severely limit their ability to fund essential campaign activities.
The situation has become so concerning that multiple senior figures are now engaged in similar donor-retention efforts, though Ms Badenoch's personal involvement highlights the particular sensitivity of the situation.
Reform's Rising Appeal
Reform UK has been actively courting disillusioned Conservative supporters, positioning itself as the true inheritor of Brexit values. The party's messaging on reducing immigration and cutting business regulation has resonated with many traditional Tory backers who feel Rishi Sunak's government has drifted from core principles.
One former Conservative donor who has already switched allegiance told The Independent: "The party we supported doesn't exist anymore. At least Reform stands for something we actually believe in."
Desperate Times for Conservatives
The donor-retention efforts come amid a perfect storm of challenges for the ruling party:
- Consistently poor polling numbers showing Labour with substantial leads
- Growing internal divisions over policy direction
- Increasing voter dissatisfaction with the government's performance
- The Reform UK threat splitting the right-wing vote
Ms Badenoch, often mentioned as a future leadership contender, appears to be taking personal responsibility for shoring up financial support during what many Conservatives fear could be an election catastrophe.
The Business Secretary's office declined to comment on what they described as "private political conversations," but the very public nature of these donor concerns reveals the depth of anxiety within Conservative headquarters as election day approaches.
