Overview

• Nigel Farage has ruled out a national electoral agreement between Reform UK and the Conservatives, stating his supporters would reject such a move.
• Farage signaled openness to local council collaborations, reversing earlier comments that ruled out deals at any level.
• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has publicly dismissed the idea of a national pact, though senior Tories like Robert Jenrick and Ben Houchen advocate for right-wing coordination.
• Reform UK leads national polls with 25% support, ahead of Labour at 23% and Conservatives at 20%, as local elections approach on May 1.
• The May 1 elections will see Reform UK directly challenge the Conservatives in key regions, testing both parties' organizational strength and voter appeal.