Keir Starmer criticized Nigel Farage’s party for welcoming another former Conservative member. During a recent session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), the Prime Minister jokingly referred to the defectors as “nuts” moving to Reform while teasing Kemi Badenoch. The most recent defector, former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, left the Tory government due to a tax-related dispute.
Starmer highlighted Reform’s lineup, pointing out a mayoral candidate who dislikes London, a new Tory member with tax issues, and a leader spending more time in France than in his constituency. In a humorous tone, the PM mentioned a visit to an IKEA store, joking about an imaginary “Ikea shadow cabinet” made of unreliable components defecting to Reform, likening it to a “laundry service of disgraced Tory politicians.”
Following Zahawi’s defection, it was suggested that Badenoch sought his advice on salvaging her party. The PM sarcastically remarked on the situation, implying Zahawi’s swift move to Reform after providing counsel. The ongoing trend of former Tory MPs switching sides was highlighted, with the PM questioning the motivation behind Reform’s acceptance of these politicians.
In response, Badenoch assured that she was not concerned about the Prime Minister’s remarks. Farage, on the other hand, took a jab at Reform’s London mayoral candidate, criticizing the candidate’s lack of affinity for London, the tax issues of another Tory recruit, and the leader’s absence from their constituency.
This exchange occurred amidst political maneuvers and criticisms between the Reform party and former Conservative members, with each side taking shots at the other’s choices and actions.
