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Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has expressed a clear preference for calling another general election rather than forming a coalition with Reform UK to gain power if no party secures an outright majority in the next election. Speaking to the BBC, she criticized Nigel Farage’s Reform party, describing them as “neck deep in scandal” and warned that an alliance with them would result in “just be one problem after another.” Current polls indicate a likely scenario of a hung parliament, with Labour anticipated to lead, followed by Reform UK and the Conservatives.
As the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham draws to a close, Badenoch has introduced plans to reduce employer National Insurance (NI) contributions for young workers aged 21 to 24 by half. This move aims to lower the financial barriers for hiring young people and stimulate employment among this group. Badenoch’s efforts focus on reshaping the Conservative Party’s image following its significant defeat in the 2024 general election, emphasizing a return to core Conservative principles. She outlined this vision in a 100-page manifesto called *The Right Way*, aimed at reconnecting with traditional Conservative values.
In her interview with BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Badenoch discussed the volatile political climate and acknowledged the current polling that suggests only one in five voters support the Conservatives. Despite this, she voiced confidence in the party’s potential, predicting that a hung parliament outcome could lead to a snap election. “We’re in a different political world, and it is within that context that we know that we can win,” she stated, adding that Conservatives are the only credible alternative to Labour, with a concrete plan for the country. However, when directly asked whether she would collaborate with Reform UK in government if the Conservatives emerged as the largest party in a hung parliament, she was unequivocal, saying, “If you want Conservative, you have to vote Conservative,” and reaffirmed her stance that another election would be preferable before any such cooperation.
Badenoch stressed her desire to bring Reform voters back to the Conservative fold, highlighting several scandals linked to Reform UK figures. She pointed to the arrest of Dan Thomas, who resigned as Reform’s Welsh leader amid charges including suspicion of assault and controlling behavior, despite his claims of innocence. She also referenced Nathan Gill, a former Reform leader in Wales sentenced to over ten years in prison for accepting bribes related to pro-Russia activities. Nigel Farage himself has faced intense investigation over financial donations, including a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor before he became an MP. Badenoch used these examples to differentiate the Conservative Party’s focus on economic growth, border control, welfare, defense, and reducing energy costs from what she described as the ongoing issues surrounding Reform UK.
Additionally, Badenoch expanded on adjustments to Conservative policies aimed at tackling youth unemployment. The plan involves cutting employer NI contributions on earnings between 15% and 7.5% for workers aged 21 to 24. This policy update follows last year’s “First Job Bonus,” which proposed redirecting the initial £5,000 of NI into savings accounts for young employees but faced challenges due to rising youth unemployment. Badenoch noted, “You can’t give people a first jobs bonus if they’re not getting a first job,” emphasizing the need for adaptable policies that meet current economic realities. The new proposal is targeted specifically at entry-level jobs, with standard NI rates applying to earnings above £50,270. Badenoch justified focusing the cuts on younger workers by pointing to fiscal responsibility and budget constraints, stating, “If I could afford to cut it for everybody, I promise you that I would. But young people have a much worse problem than everybody else.”
The opposition, meanwhile, criticized the NI cut plan, with a Labour spokesperson dismissing the announcement as “more fantasy economics from the Tories,” accusing the party of failing nearly a million young people by allowing them to remain excluded from work or training opportunities. As the political contest intensifies, the Conservative leadership continues to emphasize their unique policy platform in hopes of regaining electoral ground
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