Esther McVey, who was a minister in Rishi Sunak’s cabinet last year, said at the “True Blue Patrons Dinner” last month that the Conservatives should step aside to ensure a Reform win a the Runcorn by-election.
The Conservative MP has privately expressed openness to an electoral pact with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, contradicting her party’s official stance according to The Telegraph newspaper which claims to have an audio recording that reveals her view to step down in Reform favourable seats to prevent a Labour victory in the 2029 general election.
McVey suggests strategic seat allocation, where each party would stand aside in areas where the other has a stronger chance, something that would be relevant in the upcoming Runcorn by-election. Reform UK currently leads opinion polls in Runcorn and Helsby, the seat vacated by former Labour MP Mike Amesbury and although the Conservatives are trailing significantly, the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has explicitly ruled out any such alliance. Nigel Farage has previously emphasized that Reform’s aim is “to dismantle the Tories”.
McVey also acknowledged the existence of dual Conservative and Reform party membership within her constituency of Tatton, where many votes still hold Conservative membership but have now joined Reform, a practice generally prohibited by political parties, but may arise because so many Conservatives have moved over to Reform and not yet cancelled their Conservative Membership.
Reform UK currently leads opinion polls in Runcorn and Helsby, the seat vacated by former Labour MP Mike Amesbury. The Conservatives are trailing significantly.
Speaking at an event in Whitehall, McVey stated, ‘I’m a pragmatist. When we get to the general election, an electoral pact with Reform is absolutely something I would consider. We cannot afford to split the Right-wing vote and allow Labour to win. We must be pragmatic.’
McVey also mentioned her personal connections with key Reform UK figures, suggesting strategic seat allocation where each party would concede in areas where the other is stronger. ‘In areas like Runcorn, where Reform is strong, we should let them win, as we might need their support in other regions.’
Two recent polls place Reform ahead in Runcorn, with the Conservatives in a distant third. Badenoch, elected Conservative leader in November, has consistently dismissed any alliance with Reform, stubbornly labelling it ‘for the birds.’