Tories may need deal with Reform to beat Labour

A shadow minister has suggested that the Conservative Party (Tories) may need to collaborate with the Reform party to counter what he calls "socialist" policies from Labour. Greg Smith, the Shadow Transport Minister, expressed this opinion during an interview on TalkTV. Smith stated that the Tories might have to set aside their differences with Reform, led by Nigel Farage, if they want to prevent left-leaning MPs from gaining power. He emphasized that while a coalition is not necessary at this moment, there could come a time when right-leaning parties must work together. When asked what such cooperation might entail, Smith admitted it was too early to provide specifics. He noted that with the general election not happening until 2029, the right-wing parties will need to assess their positions as local elections approach. Recent polling shows that Tories' leader Kemi Badenoch has a favourability rating of 18 percent, while Farage is at 27 percent, and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer leads with 32 percent. Both Tories and Reform leaders have previously ruled out any formal agreement or merger. Local elections on May 1 will likely reveal how both parties perform independently.