I'd rather have another election than do a deal with Reform UK, says Badenoch
The Conservative Party leader also pledged to cut the cost of hiring 21 to 24 year olds.
By BBC News
Kemi Badenoch has said she would prefer another general election to forming a deal with Reform UK if no party wins an overall majority at the next election.
The Conservative Party leader made the comments in an interview with the BBC as the party’s conference in Birmingham approached its conclusion.
Asked whether she would work with Reform UK in government, Ms Badenoch said Conservative voters should vote Conservative. She said her preference would be for another election if there was no overall majority.
She also criticised Nigel Farage’s party, describing it as being “neck deep in scandal” and warning that working with Reform would bring “one problem after another”.
Polling cited by the BBC suggests the next election could result in a hung parliament, with Labour expected to be the largest party, followed by Reform UK and the Conservatives.
Ms Badenoch also announced a change to the Conservatives’ plans for reducing employment costs for younger workers.
The party is proposing to halve the rate of employer National Insurance contributions on earnings for people aged 21 to 24, reducing it from 15% to 7.5%.
The Conservatives said the policy would apply to starter jobs, while the standard rate would apply to earnings above £50,270.
The party said the proposal was intended to smooth the change that currently occurs when a worker turns 21, when employer National Insurance rises from zero to the full rate.