In a dramatic escalation of Tory infighting, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has launched a blistering attack on Reform UK, branding Nigel Farage's party a dangerous force making "completely unrealistic" promises to voters.
The senior cabinet minister issued the extraordinary warning during a tense interview with Times Radio, exposing the deep fractures within the Conservative Party as it faces electoral oblivion.
'A Threat to Our Democratic System'
Ms Badenoch didn't hold back in her assessment, stating unequivocally that Reform UK poses a genuine threat to Britain's democratic foundations. "When people are campaigning and making promises that they know are completely unrealistic, that is a problem for our democratic system," she declared.
The comments represent the most direct and forceful condemnation of Reform from any senior government figure to date, revealing the sheer panic gripping Conservative headquarters as polls show them trailing disastrously behind Labour.
The Vote-Splitting Nightmare
At the heart of Conservative fears lies the mathematical reality that Reform UK could fatally split the right-wing vote in countless constituencies across the country. This scenario would effectively gift victory to Labour candidates even where Conservative support remains significant.
Ms Badenoch pointedly noted that Reform has "no chance of winning any seats" in the general election, suggesting the party's entire campaign amounts to little more than political theatre with dangerous consequences.
Cabinet Divisions Exposed
The public outburst exposes significant divisions within Rishi Sunak's top team. Only hours earlier, Health Minister Maria Caulfield had struck a markedly different tone, suggesting the Conservatives should actively seek an electoral pact with Reform.
This stark contrast in messaging highlights the chaotic state of Tory strategy as the party struggles to contain the Reform threat. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride attempted damage control, but the conflicting signals suggest a party at war with itself.
The Farage Factor
Though not mentioned by name, Ms Badenoch's comments clearly targeted Nigel Farage, the charismatic Reform leader who has built his political career on challenging establishment politics. His return to frontline politics has sent shockwaves through Conservative calculations.
The Business Secretary's intervention suggests some Tories believe confronting Reform directly represents their best hope, rather than attempting to appease or negotiate with Farage's insurgent movement.
Democratic Principles or Desperate Politics?
While framing her criticism in terms of democratic integrity, critics will likely view Ms Badenoch's comments as transparently political. With the Conservatives facing what could be their worst electoral defeat in modern history, attacking Reform represents a survival strategy rather than pure principle.
Nevertheless, her warning about unrealistic promises will resonate with those concerned about populist rhetoric in British politics, particularly regarding complex issues like immigration and economic policy.
As the election campaign intensifies, this dramatic intervention ensures that the battle on the right will remain as fierce as the contest against Labour—a civil war that could define British politics for years to come.
