Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch has unleashed a furious broadside against Reform UK, plunging the Tory party into open civil war with the rival party on the right. The Business Secretary's extraordinary attack came during a live radio clash with Reform leader Richard Tice, exposing the deep anxiety within Conservative ranks about the electoral threat posed by Nigel Farage's party.
In a remarkable on-air confrontation on Times Radio, Mrs Badenoch did not hold back, stating bluntly that Reform was "damaging the Conservative Party." She dismissed their entire policy platform as unserious, declaring, "A lot of the things that they say are not actually things that you can do in government."
Policy Proposals Branded "Uncosted" and "Unserious"
The Business Secretary took specific aim at Reform's economic plans, labelling them as completely unrealistic. "They have uncosted commitments," she asserted, highlighting a fundamental clash over fiscal responsibility. Her comments suggest a strategic effort by the Tories to frame Reform as a party of protest rather than a credible alternative for government.
This very public dressing-down signifies a major shift in strategy. Previously, senior Tories largely ignored Reform, but with polls showing the party siphoning off crucial Conservative votes, the gloves have clearly come off.
Reform Leader Fires Back
Richard Tice hit back immediately, turning the tables on Mrs Badenoch. He accused the Conservative Party of having "betrayed" its 2019 voter base and "broken Britain," pointing to record levels of taxation and net migration. "The Conservatives have broken Britain. They have betrayed the 2019 vote," Tice retorted, framing his party as the true home for disaffected Tory voters.
The exchange highlights the bitter battle for the soul of the right-of-centre vote in Britain. With the general election looming, the Conservatives are terrified that a split vote could hand victory to Labour, even in traditionally safe seats.
A Sign of Deep Tory Anxiety
Political analysts will see Mrs Badenoch's intervention as a sign of sheer panic within CCHQ. For a senior Cabinet minister to engage so directly with a rival party leader is highly unusual and underscores the perceived existential threat that Reform now represents.
The party, which has Nigel Farage as its honorary president, has been steadily gaining traction in the polls by appealing to voters frustrated with the government's record on immigration, tax, and net zero policies. This very public spat is the clearest indication yet that the Tory campaign is now being fought on two fronts: against Labour and against Reform.
