Badenoch hits back at Farage after triple Tory defection sparks Reform row

Kemi Badenoch has taken a direct swipe at Nigel Farage, claiming he is “not serious” about leading Reform UK after three Conservative figures defected to his party on the same day he declared he “doesn’t trust the Tories.”

Speaking to GB News, the Conservative leader said Farage was sending a “very confused message,” arguing that he cannot recruit former Tories while simultaneously urging the public to distrust them.

Badenoch added she had “no interest” in Farage’s attacks and accused him of targeting her while Labour is “on the ropes” over Rachel Reeves’ Budget.

📉 Badenoch: “This is not serious politics”

The Tory leader blasted Farage for choosing to attack her instead of holding Labour to account, saying:

“It’s Labour in the dock. They’re making everyone poorer except those on benefits – and Nigel Farage thinks the most important thing to do is attack me? That is not serious.”

She urged all political parties to “get a grip”, warning that the UK is “living beyond its means” and insisting the Conservatives are the only fiscally responsible party.

🏡 Stamp duty pledge under scrutiny

Pressed on her flagship policy to abolish stamp duty, Badenoch said she is promoting it at “every opportunity,” arguing that businesses are still reeling from Reeves’ tax decisions.

She claimed the Budget imposed a “jobs tax” that forced employers to sack staff and said abolishing stamp duty is vital to rebuild aspiration in the economy.

💷 Badenoch attacks Reeves: “Budget for benefits”

Badenoch accused the chancellor of using public money to “save her job” and appease backbenchers, calling Labour’s Budget:

“A budget for benefits – taxing working people to the hilt.”

She argued Conservatives would “revitalise the high street” by scrapping business rates for most retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value under £110,000.

🔧 “I’m in charge now” – Badenoch seeks to rebuild Tory trust

Speaking about her leadership, Badenoch acknowledged past failures but insisted the Conservatives can still win back the public:

“We won four elections in a row – people saw something worth voting for.”
“I can’t time-travel to fix mistakes, but I’m proud of what I delivered in government.”
“We saved the country during the pandemic. Any other party would have bankrupted it.”

She said the party now needs to show voters it “stands for something real again”, stressing that trust cannot be rebuilt overnight but the work has begun.