Rishi Sunak rules out coalition with Reform UK at General Election

23 May 2024, 19:42 | Updated: 23 May 2024, 22:47

Rishi Sunak has ruled out a coalition government with Reform UK.
Rishi Sunak has ruled out a coalition government with Reform UK. Picture: Alamy

By Jenny Medlicott

Rishi Sunak has ruled out forming a coalition with Reform UK should the General Election result in a hung parliament.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Asked by an LBC reporter if he could rule out any potential deals with the Reform party, or even a coalition government, Mr Sunak replied: “Yes, of course I can rule that out. I’m not really focused on personalities elsewhere.

"I’m focused on delivering for the country and we live in an uncertain time and that’s why the choice for the country, the question for the country should be: who can build on the economic stability that we’ve not brought to ensure a secure future for everyone, and that requires bold action, it requires a clear plan - that’s what I bring to the table.

“For people who are focused on illegal migration, they will see a choice of a selection between Keir Starmer and me - it’s either one of the two of us who’s going to end up as Prime Minister after this election.”

It comes as the Conservatives and Labour have kicked off their election campaigns following Mr Sunak’s announcement on Wednesday that there would be a General Election on July 4.

Meanwhile, Reform leader Richard Tice told LBC’s Andrew Marr that he would be “delighted to replace the Conservatives” as voters head to the polls in July.

Follow the LBC live General Election blog for all the twists and turns of the campaign train and listen live to LBC on Global Player, our official app

Tice Marr

He said: “Oh, I'd be delighted to replace the Conservative Party. This is a medium to long-term journey.

“No one is saying it's easy, but here's the thing, if you don't try you've got no chance and we are here for the long term. We think they've betrayed Britain and bluntly given what they've done to the country. They deserve to be replaced one quick.”

Earlier on Thursday Mr Sunak scored an own goal as he kicked off his election campaign at a South Wales brewery.

The prime minister asked the workers whether they were looking forward to the football later this summer as a potential source of revenue, despite Wales not qualifying for the Euro 2024 tournament.

There was an awkward pause after Mr Sunak asked: "So are you looking forward to all the football?"

One brewery employee answered: "We're not so invested in it," to which another responded: "That's because you guys aren't in it".

Read more: Is my MP standing down? Full list of current MPs quitting their seats ahead of General Election

Read more: Jeremy Corbyn 'set to run for election against Labour' as an independent in Islington North

Mr Sunak did a whistle-stop campaigning tour of all four nations of the UK on Thursday.
Mr Sunak did a whistle-stop campaigning tour of all four nations of the UK on Thursday. Picture: Alamy

The Prime Minister nonetheless insisted that "it'll be a good summer of sport".

Sir Keir Starmer fired off the first day of campaigning by heading to Gillingham where he said he was pleased the prime minister had called the General Election.

The Labour leader told reporters: "I am pleased the Prime Minister has called this election, because this is the change the country needs and has been waiting for for a very, very long time.

"Now the power is with the voters. It is their choice, and they have the choice now to vote for Labour and a better future for themselves, their families, their communities, and their country."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
A small group of secondary school pupils working on practical experiments in a chemistry lab.

Ministers should consider shortening school holidays and letting teachers work from home, union chief says

JD Vance

Free speech is 'in retreat' across Europe, claims JD Vance - as US brands it a 'bigger threat than Russia'

oxford street with shoppers

Two arrested in Oxford St 'celebrity romance scam' after victims coerced into sending £200k to 'well-known boyfriends'

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

Most expensive pint revealed.

Most expensive pint in UK pubs revealed

One of the UK's 'most wanted' men sentenced to 12 years in prison after drug dealer evaded police for four years

One of the UK's 'most wanted' fugitives jailed for 12 years after drug dealer hunted down by police in Portugal

Anne Hodgson, 87, and Olwyn Smith, 82, with Dreamboy Max Hunter

Care home residents 'delighted' at male stripper visit

Police at the scene on the Broadway in Stratford

Three men stabbed in east London after 'large brawl' breaks out - with one arrested

The Met Office has issued a weather warning.

Snow and ice could cause disruption tomorrow, as Met Office issues yellow weather warning

Hostages (L-R) Sasha Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn,

Hamas confirms names of Israeli hostages due for release on Saturday

Danielle McLaughlin's killer Baghat was finally found guilty today

Indian man is found guilty of raping and murdering Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin in a field in Goa

Starmer welcomes Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, to Downing Street

Starmer tells Zelenskyy Ukraine remains on 'irreversible path to NATO membership' as leaders share phone call

Kayaker Adrian Simancas after being briefly swallowed by a humpback whale

Kayaker breaks silence over 'terrifying' moment he was swallowed whole by humpback whale - then spat back out

William and Kate shared the sweet snap for Valentine's Day

Princess Kate and Prince William share sweet snap to mark Valentine's Day

67th GRAMMY Awards - Arrivals

Kanye West and Bianca Censori shut down ‘split’ rumours as they plan Valentine’s Day together

Pope Francis

Pope Francis to be admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment