Prime Minister Badenoch Stresses Need for Election Before Aligning With Reform UK Kemi Badenoch has stated that she would prefer to hold another general election rather than forming a governing alliance with Reform UK should no single party emerge victorious. Speaking to the BBC, the Conservative leader characterised the anti-Liberal Democratic politician’s movement as “neck deep in scandal,” describing any association as “just one problem after another”. Polling indicates a likely hung parliament following the upcoming election, with Labour currently expected to be the leading party followed by Reform and the Conservative Party themselves. Amidst these challenges, Badenoch has pledged to reduce the cost of hiring young workers by halving the rate of employer National Insurance (NI) contributions. The Conservative leader has worked to reposition the party as distinct from the administration that suffered a historic defeat in the 2024 general election. Following the publication of a comprehensive 100-page document titled *The Right Way*, which outlines the party’s core principles, she emphasized that they were returning to an authentic conservative platform. Acknowledging the volatility of modern politics while relying on data suggesting only roughly one-fifth of voters would support her party, Badenoch argues: “Politics is volatile,” yet continues to champion the Conservatives’ prospects for victory. “We are in a different political world, and within that context we know we can win,” she stated, while clarifying she never guarantees success. Should a hung parliament result, Badenoch predicts an immediate subsequent election, positioning the Conservatives as the sole credible alternative to Labour—the only other grouping possessing a clear policy roadmap. When asked whether a partnership with Reform would be viable, she declined, insisting that “voting Conservative” is non-negotiable “if you want Conservative… we’d have another election if there was no overall majority.” To encourage former Reform supporters—including those caught in recent scandals—Badenoch has appealed for them to “come back” to the party, referencing unresolved governance issues. Specifically, she discussed the detention of Dan Thomas, formerly leader of Reform in Wales, who was arrested on suspicions of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour, adding that “Thomas had done nothing wrong.” She also drew attention to the sentencing of Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform in Wales, who received a ten-and-a-half-year prison term after confessing to accepting bribes for pro-Russia interviews and speeches. Farage has faced severe scrutiny regarding financial support, including a £5m gift from a billionaire benefactor prior to his election to Parliament, though he maintains his innocence. Looking outward, private conversations suggest senior Conservatives monitor the rise of potential “tipping points” influencing public sentiment behind both parties. The Tories are betting that by closing the gap on Reformation support in opinion polls—and establishing a slight lead— they can argue they are the only realistic path to victory against Labour in the next parliamentary contest. Historically, Badenoch has warned against aligning with Reform before the upcoming vote, labeling that faction as an entity seeking to dismantle the Conservative Party.