Keir Starmer criticizes Nigel Farage’s party for welcoming defected Tory politicians in its latest move. During a tense PMQs, the Prime Minister teased Kemi Badenoch about Conservative members switching to Reform, with former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi being the most recent defector over tax issues. Starmer highlighted that Reform includes a mayoral candidate disliking London, a new Tory member with tax payment challenges, and a leader spending more time in France than in their local area.
While at IKEA in Croydon discussing paternity leave changes, the PM joked about an imaginary IKEA shadow cabinet made of subpar materials, likening it to the defected Tory members moving to Reform. He also mocked Nigel Farage’s involvement in recruiting disgraced Tory politicians to Reform, mentioning Zahawi seeking advice from Badenoch before switching sides.
In response, Badenoch assured the PM that she is fine, dismissing any concerns about her loyalty. Farage, on the other hand, criticized Reform’s London mayoral candidate, highlighting their lack of affinity for the city, tax issues, and absentee leadership.