Reform UK continues to gain momentum in opinion polls, with Farage recently unveiling new policy proposals

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has launched a scathing attack on Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, describing him as “just Corbyn with a pint and a cigarette” whilst speaking to GB News.

Her comments come as Reform UK continues to gain momentum in opinion polls, with Farage recently unveiling new policy proposals including a “Crime and Punishment” plan that has resonated with right-wing voters.

Speaking to Camilla Tominey, Badenoch said: “If you promise things and then fail to deliver, the public will punish you. That’s what’s happening now.

“We’re seeing a rise in populist movements such as parties like Reform, and whatever Corbyn is doing. They’re telling people everything they want to hear.

Kemi Badenoch took aim at the Reform UK leader

Camilla said to the Tory leader: “And it’s working, isn’t it?”

Badenoch responded: “It might be for now, but there’s no general election tomorrow, it’s still four years away.

Camilla Tominey said: “Think back five years, if Corbyn had splintered off then, you’d have been rubbing your hands with glee, thinking, “Brilliant! The left-wing vote is split we’ll benefit.”

As an ex Tory member I can honestly say Kemi really doesn’t have any understanding of what is in the voters mind, the rage at her failed government and saying these silly things will only cost her more votes.

“But this time, your poll ratings haven’t moved with Corbyn’s return. The only person really benefiting, again, is Nigel Farage.

Kemi Badenoch blasted: Exactly. He’s just Corbyn with a pint and a cigarette. It’s the same policies: nationalisation, more welfare, politicians running businesses. It’s fantasy economics especially when we’re already borrowing so heavily.

She added: “A couple of months ago, I said, ‘We need a three-strikes-and-you’re-out policy.’ My team came back and said, “Okay, but to do that, we’ll need prison reform, sentencing changes, infrastructure the whole lot.”

“And I said, ‘Exactly. Let’s figure all of that out before we make an announcement.’ Otherwise, we’re just lying to people.That’s what we’re working on.

“We can’t just throw out slogans, 30,000 more officers, 30,000 more prison places. It all sounds great, but how are you going to do it?

“Anyone can stand up and say, ‘We’re going to recruit 100,000 more police officers,’ or ‘We’ll make sure not a single migrant reaches our shores the Royal Navy will turn them around immediately’.

“But without a plan? It’s not real. That’s what Corbyn does. That’s what Farage does.”

X / NIGEL FARAGE | Reform UK continues to gain momentum in opinion polls, with Farage recently unveiling new policy proposals including a “Crime and Punishment” plan

Camilla Tominey said: “So you’re saying you won’t make promises you can’t deliver?”

Kemi Badenoch responded: “Exactly. I’m going to be honest with people. We’ll only announce things once we’ve fully planned them and know how to deliver.”

The timing of Badenoch’s remarks coincides with significant developments on the political left, as Jeremy Corbyn confirmed the establishment of his new political movement.

The former Labour leader revealed that over 300,000 individuals have already expressed interest in joining his yet-unnamed party, which he suggested might be called “Your Party” during a Novara Media interview on Saturday.