Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has strongly reacted to Nigel Farage’s proposal for an electoral pact, despite the benefits this might have had for his struggling campaign. Here’s the full story.
Compelling Offer
Nigel Farage, the honorary president of Reform UK, recently made a compelling offer to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose Conservative Party is still trailing 20 points behind Labour in the polls.
Electoral Pact
In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Farage, known for his pivotal role in the Brexit campaign, offered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak an electoral pact with Reform UK.
Crucial Decision
Farage mentioned his crucial decision to stand down candidates for the Brexit Party, the precursor to Reform UK, in marginal seats during the 2019 election as an example of how the two right-wing parties could work together.
“I Stood Aside”
Farage stated, “I got rid of Mrs May with the Brexit Party. I stood aside with Boris to help a massive majority. What are they going to do back for me?”
“Give Me Something Back”
He added, “I’ve done them [The Conservatives] some huge favours over the years as a party, give me something back. We might have a conversation.”
Conservative Majority
By standing down Brexit party candidates, Farage made it considerably easier for Boris Johnson, then leader of the Conservative Party, to smash his way to a Conservative majority.
Deal Ruled Out
Despite some Conservatives, like Jacob Rees-Mogg, recently suggesting similar pacts to the Prime Minister, Sunak unequivocally ruled out any electoral deal with the Reform Party.
There Can Only Be One
When asked if he would consider negotiating with Farage, Sunak responded, “There’s only going to be one or two people who’s going to be prime minister on July 5th.”
“Either Keir Starmer or Me”
He continued, “It’s either Keir Starmer or me. So the choice for everyone in this election and a vote for anyone who isn’t a Conservative candidate, is a vote to put Keir Starmer into No 10.”
Growing Concerns
Sunak’s rejection of Farage’s proposal comes amidst growing concerns within the Conservative Party over Rishi Sunak’s handling of the election campaign so far and Reform UK syphoning off more votes from the Conservatives than from Labour.
Regaining Lost Ground
To regain lost ground, Sunak has recently made some offers to tempt Reform voters back into the Conservative fold.
National Service
Though MPs and ministers from within his own party, opposition figures, and military personnel almost immediately criticised it, Sunak recently proposed reintroducing national service for 18- —and 19-year-olds in an attempt to woo right-wing voters.
Securing the Grey Vote
Similarly, to secure the so-called “grey vote,” older voters, usually of pension age, Sunak announced that he would introduce the “Triple Lock Plus,” which would guarantee that both the state pension and the personal tax allowance for pensioners would increase annually by the highest rate of inflation, average earnings, or 2.5%, whichever is greater.
“Dignity in Retirement”
Sunak supported Triple Lock Plus, stating, “I believe in a country where if you work hard all your life and put in the effort, you deserve dignity in retirement.”
12% in Polls
Despite these measures, Reform UK, led and funded by Richard Tice, currently polls around 12%, drawing significant support from former Conservative voters who backed Boris Johnson in 2019.
Marginal Seats
Sunak’s refusal to form an electoral alliance with Farage and Reform UK could impact the Conservative Party’s ability to defend marginal seats, particularly in areas where Reform’s support is most substantial or where the Liberal Democrats are rapidly gaining on the Conservatives in the polls.
“Thought Long and Hard”
Despite campaigning for Reform UK, Farage has made it clear he has no interest in standing for Parliament himself. Writing online, shortly after the election was announced, Farage stated, “I have thought long and hard as to whether I should stand in the upcoming general election. As honorary president of Reform UK, I am fully supportive of Richard Tice’s leadership and urge voters to put their trust in him and Lee Anderson.”
“Not the Right Time”
He continued, “I will do my bit to help in the campaign, but it is not the right time for me to go any further than that.”
Helping Trump
Interestingly, Farage stated that his political endeavours had shifted to American politics and announced that he would be doing his best to help secure former President Donald Trump, currently on trial for a legion of crimes related to the 2016 election and the attempted insurrection on January 6th, a win in the upcoming election.
“In Any Way That I Can”
Farage wrote, “Important though the general election is, the contest in the United States of America on November 5th has huge global significance. A strong America as a close ally is vital for our peace and security. I intend to help with the grassroots campaign in the USA in any way that I can.”
Significant Impact
Despite Farage’s apparent disinterest in standing in the general election, Sunak’s refusal to ally with the ardent eurosceptic could significantly impact the Conservatives’ chances of winning.
Living to Regret
As the election draws ever nearer, it remains to be seen if this is a decision Sunak will one day live to regret.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.