Farage's Plan for a 'Reverse Takeover' of the Tories: Can Reform UK Replace Britain's Main Party?
Nigel Farage has sparked controversy with his suggestion that Reform UK could pursue a "reverse takeover" of the Conservative Party, aiming to absorb it by winning over defectors and replacing its existing members. The plan would involve Farage's party absorbing the Tories, rather than forming an electoral deal with them.
According to Farage, no deals are possible at this stage, as any pact would cost Reform votes. However, senior Labour sources claim that a merger between Reform and the Tories could be highly beneficial for their party at local elections, where they can portray the two parties as being in each other's pockets.
Despite this, not all Reform MPs share Farage's vision of taking over the Conservative Party. Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, has stated that donors were "confused" if they thought Farage wanted a pact with the Tories, instead suggesting he wants to replace them entirely.
A group of Reform donors have expressed support for Farage's strategy, stating that they would trust his judgment on whether to pursue a merger with the Conservatives. However, senior Tory figures are more cautious, with Robert Jenrick, shadow justice secretary, having ruled out defecting to Reform.
Farage has acknowledged that any decisions on pacts will not be possible until after the next election, when Reform UK is expected to lead in the polls. Options for a potential pact include a pre-election non-aggression pact or a post-election confidence and supply arrangement.
Tory strategists predict that up to three-quarters of their voter base would support Reform if Farage were to become Prime Minister, citing concerns about Labour's stance on Brexit.
The prospect of a "reverse takeover" has sparked debate among party leaders and donors, with some suggesting it is inevitable. However, the timing of any potential pact remains unclear, particularly given Kemi Badenoch's position as Conservative Party leader, which seems to rule out a formal deal with Reform UK at this stage.
Nigel Farage has sparked controversy with his suggestion that Reform UK could pursue a "reverse takeover" of the Conservative Party, aiming to absorb it by winning over defectors and replacing its existing members. The plan would involve Farage's party absorbing the Tories, rather than forming an electoral deal with them.
According to Farage, no deals are possible at this stage, as any pact would cost Reform votes. However, senior Labour sources claim that a merger between Reform and the Tories could be highly beneficial for their party at local elections, where they can portray the two parties as being in each other's pockets.
Despite this, not all Reform MPs share Farage's vision of taking over the Conservative Party. Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, has stated that donors were "confused" if they thought Farage wanted a pact with the Tories, instead suggesting he wants to replace them entirely.
A group of Reform donors have expressed support for Farage's strategy, stating that they would trust his judgment on whether to pursue a merger with the Conservatives. However, senior Tory figures are more cautious, with Robert Jenrick, shadow justice secretary, having ruled out defecting to Reform.
Farage has acknowledged that any decisions on pacts will not be possible until after the next election, when Reform UK is expected to lead in the polls. Options for a potential pact include a pre-election non-aggression pact or a post-election confidence and supply arrangement.
Tory strategists predict that up to three-quarters of their voter base would support Reform if Farage were to become Prime Minister, citing concerns about Labour's stance on Brexit.
The prospect of a "reverse takeover" has sparked debate among party leaders and donors, with some suggesting it is inevitable. However, the timing of any potential pact remains unclear, particularly given Kemi Badenoch's position as Conservative Party leader, which seems to rule out a formal deal with Reform UK at this stage.
... like, what even is that? It sounds crazy talk to me. Can't we just have a normal party system where parties work together and stuff? 
But you know, at the same time, I get why some people might be tempted by it - Reform UK has been on fire lately and they've got a lot of momentum.
Like that's gonna happen 
It just seems like a whole lot of drama, if you ask me.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out in the next election. 
Farage wants to takeover the Tories? 
That's wild. I mean, I get it, he's all about Brexit and wanting what's best for the country. But, honestly, taking over the party that was supposed to be in charge already is a pretty big ask. 
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. And it's true, if Labour was all about Brexit too, some Tories might defect to Reform UK. But for now, it seems like Farage's plan is more of a long shot than a sure thing 
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. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll see a whole new party system emerge from this "reverse takeover" nonsense 
! I mean if Reform UK can absorb the Tories and just get all those Brexit fans on board that would be huge 
! Maybe this is exactly what the UK needs – a bit of disruption 
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anyway idk about this plan but i can see how it could work in local elections or something idk if its a good idea for the country tho id rather have a united brexit party tbh reform uk is like my baby 
i'd support them no matter what 
tice seems kinda skeptical tho idk if he's just trying to sabotage Farage's plans 
. but can reform actually do that? they're not exactly known for their unity or strong leadership 
. and what about all the stuff that went down with Brexit - Farage was one of the main ones who pushed for it, now he wants to just take over the Tories? that's some pretty weird logic 
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