UNITE THE RIGHT: Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg calls for Conservative-Reform Pact in 100 seats to defeat Labour

Advertisement

Former Cabinet Minister proposes ‘Generous Offer’ to Nigel Farage could help Tories regain power.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has suggested the Conservative Party should make a “big and generous offer” to Nigel Farage suggesting that the Tories should step aside in nearly 100 seats where Reform came second to Labour in the last general election.

Rees-Mogg argued that such a pact could unite the right and improve the Conservatives’ chances of returning to power.

Speaking at the Popular Conservatism event at the Conservative Conference in Birmingham, Rees-Mogg emphasised the need for collaboration between the two parties, stating that Conservatives “will not win if we do not reunite.” He suggested that, similar to previous alliances with the Liberal Unionists, the Conservatives could allow Reform UK to contest nearly 100 seats where Labour is the main competition, without opposition from the Tories.

Conservative Post Editor Claire Bullivant also suggested that the right-wing political factions would eventually unite, speaking at a Popular Conservatism event on Sunday. She mentioned a conversation with Nigel Farage from a few weeks ago, where he also expressed confidence that the “right will somehow come together.” However, Bullivant noted that this union is likely to materialise closer to 2027 or 2028.

Rees-Mogg’s proposal follows Labour’s victory in 89 of those seats, where Reform UK had positioned itself as a significant challenger. He noted that this approach could be mutually beneficial, helping both parties gain ground in Labour strongholds.

However, Rees-Mogg emphasised that the arrangement should not be a “unilateral offer” and called for proper agreements between the parties. He also hinted that Boris Johnson might be better suited to unite the party and forge a working relationship with Farage, encouraging the next Tory leader to engage with him directly.

Lord Frost, the former Brexit negotiator, echoed Rees-Mogg’s sentiments, suggesting that the Tories may need to consider a formal alliance with Reform if the party fails to reclaim voters before the next election. Frost remarked that a divided right would make it impossible for the Conservatives to win, and stressed the need to bring voters back to the party by re-establishing strong conservative policies.

However, not all Conservatives agree with this approach. Robert Jenrick, a leadership contender, warned against embracing Reform UK too closely. Instead, he advocated for the Conservatives to “steal their clothes” by toughening their stance on migration and other key issues, aiming to bring back right-wing voters without forming a formal pact with Farage’s party.

As speculation grows about the future direction of the Conservative Party, Rees-Mogg’s comments have sparked fresh debate over whether a partnership with Reform UK could help deliver a victory at the next election.