Badenoch Rules Out Coalition with Reform UK at Birmingham Conference
Kemi Badenoch closed the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham on 7 October with a vow not to form a coalition with Reform UK. BBC
The conference was held in Birmingham. Reuters Connect The BBC headlined its Politics video report on the closing speech "Badenoch: Tories must not let Reform 'take us backwards'". Mrs Badenoch spoke about dividing lines between the Conservative Party and Reform UK. She said her party should hold its own ground rather than blur into its rival on the right.
She said she would rather fight two general elections in quick succession, two nationwide votes to elect MPs held close together, than form a coalition, a formal power-sharing deal, with Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The Independent The wording covers both a pact before an election and a deal after one. She said Conservatives who defect to Reform UK, who leave one party to join another, will not be allowed back. The Independent The party said the warning was aimed at MPs, councillors and activists.
On the economy, Mrs Badenoch said in her keynote speech, the leader's main address, that a "fight is coming" over public spending. Mirror The verified account of the speech gave no new fiscal numbers, no fresh figures on tax or spending.
Conservative headquarters presented the week as a sequence of themed announcements around the leader's address. Its news page listed 'The Leader's Speech' dated 7/10/2026, describing Mrs Badenoch's closing speech at this year's Party Conference. It listed 'From Party to movement' dated 7/10/2026, featuring Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake opening day four, CPC26. The same date carried 'Restoring Consequences', described as a plan to secure borders and crack down on crime. The previous day's items were defence and schools heavy. 'Defending Britain in a More Dangerous World' dated 6/10/2026 was described as the defence team's plan to defend Britain. 'Conservatives announce Britannia Shield' dated 6/10/2026 was described as a proposal to protect Britain from missile and drone attacks. 'Protecting Parents' dated 6/10/2026 was described as a pledge to keep political activism out of the classroom. All were put forward as plans, pledges and proposals. None was put forward as legislation in force, as law.
The broader context here is familiar for autumn. Opposition parties use conference season to fix their lines of attack for the new parliamentary session, the period of Commons and Lords business, and to tell activists what will not be traded away. Ministers said such words are never accidental. Mrs Badenoch used both registers. The Reform statement answered speculation about deals. The spending statement prepared the party for difficult choices on priorities, where restraint will be contested.
Looking to the months ahead, the test is discipline. A leader who rules out a coalition and closes the door to returnees raises the cost of defection. She also raises the cost to herself. Any softening would be read quickly in the lobby, the corridors where MPs and journalists talk. Holding the line keeps the Conservative offer distinct. It will need a policy programme strong enough to hold voters who might otherwise look to Reform, and a spending argument that survives contact with departmental lobbies and the Treasury's own arithmetic.
