Reform UK has responded sharply to comments made by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who dismissed the party as "woke" and accused it of promoting grievance politics. Badenoch, speaking on the Political Currency podcast, reiterated that she ruled out any electoral pact with Nigel Farage’s party either before or after the next general election, emphasizing a desire to maintain a clear and consistent identity for the Conservative Party.

During the podcast, Badenoch characterized Reform UK as focused on victim and oppressor narratives, describing their approach as centered on "moaning and whingeing" rather than delivering "proper solutions." She explained her use of the term "woke" as referring to those who emphasize grievance and power dynamics rather than constructive policymaking.

In response, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf criticized Badenoch’s remarks as an attempt to "call us names" amid difficulties faced by the Conservative leadership in recent days. Yusuf acknowledged that Reform UK is a party with grievances, pointing specifically to what he described as the Conservative Party’s failure to fulfill its immigration promises over 14 years. He referenced the claim that the Conservatives had pledged to reduce legal immigration to the "tens of thousands," whereas in reality over a million people had entered the country, accompanied by the construction of 400 additional prison places to manage the consequences.

Yusuf also criticized Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp’s recent visit to the English Channel, where he documented migrant crossings. He suggested Philp’s presence resembled "a term in criminal psychology" describing a return to the scene of a crime, framing it as a display of narcissism.

The exchange follows earlier statements by Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, who also refused any alliance with the Conservatives, underlining a widening gap between the two parties. Badenoch has stressed the importance of avoiding public confusion about Conservative values and direction, asserting the party will not align with what she perceives as Reform UK’s focus on grievances and victimhood.

The ongoing public dialogue highlights ideological divisions surrounding issues of immigration, law enforcement, and political identity as both parties position themselves ahead of the forthcoming election cycle.