Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch has described defectors who left for Reform UK as "some of the most dishonest people" she has ever met. Speaking at the Edinburgh festival fringe, Ms Badenoch also ruled out allowing these individuals, whom she called "drama queens," to return to the Conservative party.
Ms Badenoch reiterated her stance against any election deal or coalition with Nigel Farage's Reform UK. She stated that there would be no coalition between the parties, asserting that she wants to "win on my own terms" at the next general election.
When questioned about a potential hung parliament and the possibility of a Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition, Ms Badenoch insisted that a fresh election would be the best option. She added that there would be "no deals" made with Reform UK before or after an election.
Among those who have joined Reform from the Conservatives are former home secretary Suella Braverman and former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick. Mr Jenrick, after being sacked by Ms Badenoch, described his former party as "rotten" and "failed."