Politics Weekly UK Could Reform UK and the Tories merge?
Dec 4, 2025
In a surprising turn, Nigel Farage received a £9m donation, hinting at a potential merger with the Conservatives. Discussions unfold about the implications for Reform UK and what this means for future alliances. They also tackle David Lammy's controversial plan to limit jury trials for lesser offenses and the resulting political backlash. With a focus on public opinion, they explore how taxation strategies affect wealth distribution and respond to listener questions about political labels and priorities. The episode is a deep dive into the changing landscape of UK politics.
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Episode notes
Merger Talk Masks Political Reality
- Nigel Farage reportedly told donors a deal with the Conservatives was "inevitable," sparking denials and donor interest.
- Kieran Stacey and John Harris say a pre-election merger is unlikely but post-election arrangements or informal pacts remain possible.
Reverse Takeover Is Theoretical Not Practical
- A ‘reverse takeover’ claim suggests Reform would absorb the Conservatives only if Reformled control were guaranteed.
- Kieran Stacey warns a 200-year party like the Tories is unlikely to simply be taken over pre-election.
2019 Pact Won't Scale In 2020s
- A pre-election non-aggression pact would be hard because both parties are competitive in many seats this time.
- John Harris and Kieran Stacey note such pacts worked in 2019 but are unlikely to scale now.
