Nigel Farage and Jacob Rees-Mogg attracted significant attention after both were seen departing Boodle’s, a private members’ club near Piccadilly in central London, on Friday. Although they left the venue just over an hour apart, reports have sparked speculation about a possible political collaboration.

Rees-Mogg, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, has publicly advocated for the Conservative Party to enter into an electoral arrangement with Reform UK ahead of next Thursday’s Makerfield by-election and the forthcoming general election. He argues that such a pact would help avoid splitting the vote, potentially strengthening their chances against Labour candidates. However, this proposal has been firmly rejected by the current Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, who dismissed the idea of any formal alliance with Reform UK.

Despite the timing of their departures from the club, Rees-Mogg emphasized that the two attended separate lunches and downplayed suggestions of coordination. Meanwhile, Farage, leader of Reform UK, has been vocal about his party’s policy plans, which include a controversial approach to social housing allocations. Farage has announced that, if his party gains power, foreign nationals residing in council homes would be required to vacate within three months or face potential deportation. Priority for social housing would instead be given to what he described as "long-term local residents," including veterans, care-leavers, and survivors of domestic abuse.

This policy stance underlines Reform UK’s focus on addressing concerns about immigration and housing, aligning with Farage’s broader political platform. The differing reactions within Conservative ranks to Rees-Mogg’s proposal highlight ongoing tensions and strategic calculations within the centre-right as they prepare for upcoming electoral contests.