Will The Conservative Party Form An Electoral Pact With The Brexit Party?

4 August 2019, 16:03 | Updated: 4 August 2019, 16:07

Conservative leader and Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader and MEP Nigel Farage
Conservative leader and Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brexit Party leader and MEP Nigel Farage. Picture: PA

After the Liberal Democrats won the Brecon by-election by forming a 'Remain alliance', there have been suggestions the Brexit Party join forces with the Conservatives to form their own electoral pact. But what's the chances of the two parties creating a 'Brexit Alliance'?

Lib Dem candidate Jane Dodds won the mid-Wales seat after securing 43.5% of the vote, ahead of the Tories on 39%.

But with the win attributed to a 'Remain alliance' with the Greens and Plaid Cymru, there have been calls for Boris Johnson to strike a deal with Nigel Farage that will see their party's form a pact of their own.

It has been reported that at least 10 Conservative MPs have called for the Brexit Party not to stand candidates in their constituencies, amid warnings the Tories could not win a general election on their own.

Arron Banks, who co-founded the Leave.EU campaign, has said the emergence of the Remain alliance should be taken seriously and urged the Tories to work with Nigel Farage's party. But Brexit Party Chairman Richard Tice has said such arrangements would not be agreed.

- Tory Majority Reduced To One After Lib Dems Win Brecon By-Election

Prime Minister Boris Johnson:

A spokesperson for Boris Johnson has said the Prime Minister had "no plans at all" to strike a deal with Nigel Farage, adding there was "absolutely no intention" for any coalition with the Brexit Party.

Before winning the Tory leadership contest, Mr Johnson ruled out teaming up with other parties, including The Brexit Party.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Picture: Getty

Brexit Party Chairman Richard Tice:

Speaking to Andrew Pierce on LBC, Brexit Party Chairman and MEP Richard Tice said he could "absolutely guarantee" there is no pact being arranged with the Tories.

"We're focussed on taking votes from the Conservative Party and Labour Party," he said.

"Because we know that's the way of maximising the pressure to get this done."

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Tice said the Tories had "lost the trust of millions of voters", adding: "The way the next election is fought will depend on its timing. But voters are smart, and they will vote tactically to achieve their goal.

"The Brexit Party will ensure that Brexiteers do not have to rely solely on the Conservatives for Brexit to be delivered."

Brexit Party MEP Robert Rowland:

Brexit Party MEP Robert Rowland also ruled out a pact with the Tories, telling Clive Bull he is "absolutely not" in favour of such arrangement being made.

"A vote for the Tories is a vote for a party that is still split on Brexit and has failed to deliver it in three years, and is now desperate to preserve itself," he said.

Leave.EU Co-founder Arron Banks:

Arron Banks wrote in the Sunday Express: "The last two by-elections were lost because the Brexit vote was split, first by the Conservatives in Peterborough and then by the Brexit Party in Brecon.

"The real lesson is the Conservatives should take this new Remain alliance seriously and be prepared to work with the Brexit Party to destroy Corbyn and the Labour Party."

Leave.EU co-founder Arron Banks
Leave.EU co-founder Arron Banks. Picture: Getty

Conservative Brexiter Steve Baker:

Quoted in the Sunday Telegraph, Conservative MP and contender to replace Jacob Rees-Mogg as the chair of the European Research Group said: "It is becoming obvious to all now that the Brexit Party standing against the Conservative Party would produce a massive own goal."

Conservative MP Steve Baker
Conservative MP Steve Baker. Picture: Getty

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Holidaymakers Begin Christmas Getaway

More than 700,000 passengers suffered delays after password of engineer allowed to work remotely didn't work

Weather maps show areas of the UK which could be hit by snow

UK weather maps show regions expected to see heavy snowfall as cold and wintry spell on the way

Cynthia Erivo

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo says feeling like an outsider and 'not fitting in' drew her to role of Elphaba

Robert F Kennedy Jr

Donald Trump picks anti-vaccine activist Robert F Kennedy Jr to lead Department of Health

France and Israel fans clash with police in Paris despite ramped up police presence following Amsterdam unrest

France and Israel fans clash amid ramped up police presence in Paris for UEFA Nations League game

c

'I hope I live to see the day': Ex-political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza shares wish to see Putin on trial for war crimes

M5 Motorway, Bristol, UK. 4th July, 2022. A rolling roadblock has been formed to protest the cost of fuel. Protestors have set off from Bridgewater and are holding up traffic by driving slowly along the M5 Motorway. Credit: JMF News/Alamy Live News

Teenager hit and killed in horror M5 collision after fleeing police car named

Exclusive
Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza recalls 'longest day of his life' after historic prisoner swap between Russia and West

Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza recalls 'longest day of his life' after historic prisoner swap between Russia and West

Mohamed Al Fayed's brother Salah accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former Harrods employees

Mohamed Al Fayed's brother Salah accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former Harrods employees

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Man who turned up outside Parliament in armour carrying samurai swords wanted to 'speak with Boris Johnson'

Basem Naim, a Hamas leader

Hamas prepared for 'immediate' ceasefire in Gaza but claims Israel has not offered any 'serious proposals' in months

London, UK. 9 October 2023. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaking during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Matt Crossick/Empics/Alamy Live News

Rachel Reeves to 'rip up financial red tape' with pension 'mega funds' freeing up £80 billion for investment

Labour divided over assisted dying as MP who introduced bill hits out at Health Secretary

Labour divided over assisted dying bill as MP tabling legislation labels Wes Streeting's objections 'disappointing'

Reverend Sue Colman was asked to step back after the Makin Report found her and her husband Jason knew about John Smyth's abuse and failed to act

Mustard heir and Church of England minister wife step back from church roles after damning abuse report

File photo of Broadway Market, where the attack took place

Horror as 'man doused in bleach' in busy Hackney market with manhunt underway and attacker still at loose

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to string of sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to sex attacks including indecent assault against teen