Nigel Farage 'wants to destroy the Conservative Party', Kemi Badenoch tells LBC

3 June 2024, 10:50 | Updated: 6 June 2024, 12:30

Nigel Farage asks Kemi Badenoch: 'Would you be happy to serve under Nigel Farage?'

By Katy Ronkin

Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch says she would not be happy serving alongside Nigel Farage amid rumours of his return to the Conservative Party after the election.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Speaking on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, Ms Badenoch said people should be working on strengthening the party, not trying to destroy it.

"Nigel Farage is still against many Conservatives, including some of my colleagues," said Ms Badenoch. "What he wants to do is destroy the Conservative Party."

"The Conservative Party is an institution; it is the longest-running party in the history of the world. I think that what we should be talking about is how to make sure it keeps going from strength to strength, not trashing it, destroying it, or taking it over."

It comes after Reform UK party's honorary president made a comment while campaigning with leader Richard Tice in Skegness that appeared to suggest he harbours intentions of reshaping the Tories from within.

Read more: Farage 'suggests Tory party takeover after election' as he draws inspiration from Canadian politics

Read more: Starmer to declare Labour as party of national security as he sets out defence offering

Kemi Badenoch rules out serving alongside Nigel Farage after he hints at Tory takeover.
Kemi Badenoch rules out serving alongside Nigel Farage after he hints at Tory takeover. Picture: Picture: Alamy

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Mr Farage said: “I certainly don’t have any trust for them or any love for them. I want to reshape the centre-right, whatever that means.”

After being asked about a merger between Reform and the Conservatives in Britain, Mr Farage responded: “More like a takeover, dear boy.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

"These drugs were not made for a quick fix to lose a few kilos”, says Mosley.

What you need to know about weight loss jabs and how to make them work effectively

Mr Dutton was killed in the collision, at the junction on Brown Heath Road between the villages of Waverton and Christleton in Cheshire.

‘Distracted’ dentist avoids jail after killing cycling pensioner

"For sure it's a mental thing, it's not tactical or technical," said Enzo Maresca.

'It’s a mental thing': Enzo Maresca reveals reason behind Cole Palmer’s struggles

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, with a photo of herself as a teen, when she says she was abused by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew, among others.

'Fierce warrior' Virginia Giuffre, survivor of Jeffrey Epstein abuse and Prince Andrew accuser, dies by suicide aged 41

The demonstration made its way to popular tourist spot, Weyler Square

'Without fear there is no change': furious protesters to target holidaying Brits at airports and hotspots in these countries

Ioan Gruffudd and Bianca Wallace have tied the knot

Titanic and Marvel star Ioan Gruffudd marries partner Bianca Wallace in intimate ceremony

Mummy Pig revealed the gender of her baby.

Mummy Pig's having a...! Peppa Pig's mother announces new piglet's gender at iconic London spot

CBB announced its winner

Celebrity Big Brother announces winner of latest series

Rupert Murdoch

Rupert Murdoch's company accused of 'actively undermining' Met's phone-hacking investigation

Paul Butler, who killed his estranged wife in a 'frenzied' and 'brutal' attack, has been served a minimum term of 27 years for the murder of Plymouth university lecturer Claire Chick.

'Evil' man who killed Plymouth university lecturer in 'brutal' jealousy-fuelled attack jailed for 27 years

Visitors and mourners pay their respects to the body of Pope Francis

How the late Pope Francis's funeral will unfold

Luigi Mangione appears at a hearing for the murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson at Manhattan Criminal Court on February 21, 2025 in New York City.

Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to federal murder charge over CEO killing as US pushes for death penalty

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive on Air Force One at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International airport

World leaders arrive for Pope’s funeral as 150,000 mourners pay respects

Moscow says Vladimir Putin has had 'constructive' talks with Donald Trump's envoy at the Kremlin.

Trump envoy holds ‘constructive’ talks with Putin hours after top Russian general killed in Moscow car bomb

Displaced Palestinians crowd with outstretched hands and containers to receive hot meals distributed by aid organizations at the Jabalia Refugee Camp in northern Gaza City, Gaza on April 24, 2025.

UN runs out of food aid in Gaza as Israel continues total blockade, ending 'critical lifeline' for hundreds of thousands

Christina Howell was handed a hospital order under the Mental Health Act, after previously admitting manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility

Woman killed man in unprovoked racist attack after asking to be sent back to hospital