Robert Jenrick: Unite The Right!

Sky News has obtained a leaked audio recording of shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick discussing how he could see Reform UK and the Conservatives working together. Whether it would be a working coalition as in a quest to form a government and defeat Labour is another thing. Jenrick was speaking to students at a gathering. The audio wasn't supposed to be leaked, but it was. On the other hand, Jenrick also said he hadn't given up on making Reform UK history. "Putting them out of business", to use his words. So that when it comes to local elections, the Conservatives are the only party on the right. However, Jenrick's task might not be as easy as he makes out.

Robert Jenrick has become a firebrand on the right for many. At one time, he was a pussycat, meaning a moderate Conservative. However, when he saw which way the wind was blowing, to the right in favour of Reform UK, Jenrick had an epiphany. He is now a warrior of the right and "Don't you forget it" - apparently. In the Conservative leadership contest, Robert Jenrick came second to the current leader, Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch has said she will not entertain any coalition or political agreement with Reform UK.

Coalitions or some formal arrangement between the two parties have been talked about before. However, Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, wants to make the Conservatives a thing of the past. He said in response to the leak of Jenrick's talk, he regards the Tories as a busted flush. Nigel Farage and his band of merry men (merry?) want to form the next government in 2029. Although the party has four MPs formerly 5 when Nigel Farage, Richard Tice, et al were elected to parliament, it was a breakthrough. Given the absurdities of the British voting system, it was astounding that the party pulled this off. Yes, Labour became the government, but this historic election of Reform UK was historic. Now, as said before, Farage and co want to be the next ruling party at the next general election. Is it achievable? Possibly, but with the Tories, the right is afraid of splitting the vote and allowing Labour back in.

Local elections take place next week, and it will be a real testing ground for all the parties. There is some good news for Reform UK, they are 25%, Labour is 23%, and the Conservatives are 20 %. With the Lib Dems and Greens trailing behind. So it looks like Reform UK, the length and breadth of the land, has it in the bag. Town halls on that percentage will have Reform UK councillors by the score. Labour isn't doing too badly despite the fact that Sir Keir Starmer isn't everyone's cup of tea at the moment. The Tories find themselves in third place, something they will not be too happy with. As for the Lib Dems and Greens, well, they are usually at low levels in elections. That said, the clowning around of their leader, Ed Davey, gave them a fair proportion of MPs at last July's general election.

The Conservatives in 3rd place may be shocked but not surprised in the polls. Nigel Farage, whatever you think of him, speaks the language of many people. Speaking of migration and immigration, legal or otherwise, being unfettered and uncontrolled. The Tories know they have an uphill battle with Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch has not yet connected to the voters. Even Labour, in dealing with immigration and migration, has adopted or stolen Reform UK's clothes.

If the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch do not increase their popularity, they may have to think the unthinkable. Holding their nose and diving into bed with Reform UK. They might even ditch Badenoch and elect Jenrick as leader. Politics is a fickle game, and right now, the Conservatives know it.