Former conservative party chairman Chris Patten urges caution, asserts pursuing reform voters could spell electoral disaster for Tories

Rishi Sunak, the embattled Prime Minister, faces a stark warning from former Conservative Party chairman Chris Patten regarding the consequences of aligning with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Patten cautioned that such a move could lead to a devastating defeat for the Conservative Party in future elections.

After suffering two significant by-election losses, Sunak is under immense pressure to navigate the political landscape effectively. The recent defeats in Kingswood and Wellingborough saw voters abandoning the Tories, with Keir Starmer’s Labour Party emerging victorious. Additionally, there was a notable surge in support for Reform UK, founded by Farage, which secured 13% of the vote in Wellingborough.

Amidst growing concerns from right-wing factions within the Conservative Party, urging Sunak to adopt a more right-leaning stance to counter the threat of Reform UK, Patten issued a stern warning. He emphasized that chasing Reform voters would be detrimental to the party’s electoral prospects, leading to a potential wipeout.

Patten criticized the current state of the Conservative Party, expressing his disapproval of its direction. He highlighted concerns about attacks on institutions and the rule of law, which he deemed inconsistent with traditional conservative values.

Highlighting the dangers of overlooking the recent by-election results, Patten cautioned against the notion of simply adding Reform Party voters to the Conservative base. He emphasized that such thinking is flawed and could ultimately backfire, jeopardizing the party’s chances in future elections.

Despite Sunak’s attempts to downplay the significance of the losses as “difficult mid-term elections,” Patten’s warning underscores the gravity of the situation. With Labour leading in the polls and mounting dissatisfaction within the Conservative ranks, the party faces a pivotal moment in its political trajectory.

As the Tories grapple with internal divisions and electoral setbacks, the urgency to address underlying issues and chart a viable path forward becomes increasingly apparent. Patten’s words serve as a sobering reminder of the perils of political alignment and the importance of staying true to core principles amidst turbulent times.