The Conservative leader has unequivocally ruled out any electoral pact with Reform UK following recent by-election results in Makerfield and Aberdeen, signaling a firm rejection of calls to "unite the Right."

In a statement reflecting on the June 2026 contests, the leader argued that an alliance with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK would have been counterproductive. While Reform UK fell short of victory in Makerfield, the Conservatives won decisively in Aberdeen, even with Reform candidates on the ballot. He contended that any deal involving standing down candidates would have tarnished the Conservative triumph and fueled perceptions of dependence on Reform’s support.

Addressing internal and public pressure to coordinate with Reform, the Conservative leader dismissed the notion as “terrible advice.” He asserted that Reform UK’s policies, despite presenting themselves as right-wing, in fact resemble populist measures involving increased state spending and nationalization, which he claimed conflict with traditional Conservative principles of lower taxes and fiscal responsibility. This ideological divergence, he stated, makes cooperation with Reform untenable.

The leader also questioned the character and discipline within Reform UK, citing internal disputes among its leadership and difficulties in implementing credible economic policies. Emphasizing the importance of responsible governance, he contrasted the Conservatives’ approach with what he described as Reform’s populism and lack of serious commitment to detailed policymaking.

Further, the leader highlighted character issues as a crucial factor in politics, stressing the need for stability and truth-telling in leadership. He referenced allegations and controversies surrounding Reform UK figures, including a disputed £5 million payment and public disputes that have reportedly undermined the party’s effectiveness.

Rejecting claims that refusing to align with Reform risks enabling left-wing coalitions, the Conservative leader maintained that building a broad Conservative majority requires appealing to moderate voters beyond the right-wing base. He warned that conceding ground to Reform risks alienating centrist supporters who might otherwise back the Conservatives or abstain from voting.

Looking ahead, the leader outlined his vision for the party under his stewardship, promising a shift away from left-leaning policies seen in previous Conservative governments. This includes abandoning certain environmental commitments such as Net Zero targets, plans to exit the European Convention on Human Rights to enhance immigration controls, and an economic strategy aimed at revitalising prosperity.

In conclusion, he framed the Conservative Party as the only right-of-centre force capable of uniting the country on themes of fairness, responsibility, and British culture. He presented electoral success on the party’s own terms as the path to countering Labour and what he described as “the politics of rage,” underscoring the recent Aberdeen victory as evidence of this approach’s effectiveness.