Tory shadow minister downplays talk of Reform pact

The rebranded Brexit Party came third in last year’s general election, winning 14% of the vote and five MPs, including party leader Nigel Farage.

Last week, Reform UK topped a YouGov opinion poll, external for the first time, edging in front of Labour on 24% and the Tories on 21%.

An electoral pact is usually a deal between two or more parties to avoid splitting the vote and maximise their candidates’ chances.

In 2019, the Brexit Party stood down many candidates ahead of that year’s general election, which resulted in a Conservative landslide and Boris Johnson becoming prime minister.

Burghart, the shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said he believed his party could win the next general election under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership

He told the BBC: “Reform’s stated ambition is to destroy the Conservative Party.

“That’s a pretty difficult first date. If somebody says they’re out to destroy you, do you start thinking about marriage.

“Whilst reform is talking about completely killing us, I don’t think there’s a conversation to be had here.”