Intro

While both Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch are quick to talk down speculation of a pact between the Tories and Reform, listeners may be surprised to hear that around Westminster such conversations are already taking place. With every new poll, Conservative MPs grow a little more anxious that by the time they go to the polls, they will have little claim to being the main opposition – and so some sort of agreement starts to make sense. That agreement could be anything from a non-aggression pact to bringing the two warring parties of the right under one leader. How likely is it?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Gawain Towler.

Plus: if you stay tuned until the end, we are joined by special guest Daniel, who gives us his reflections on his time as restaurant manager at one of Westminster's most important establishments: Chez Antoinette. He spills the beans on how to organise government's most powerful personalities into a seating plan – and who holds the record for the longest lunch in Chez history.