There is a 70% chance of the Conservatives and Reform UK merging before the next general election, according to a senior Tory MP.

Sir Edward Leigh, who is the Father of the House as the longest-serving male parliamentarian, predicted that the two right-wing parties were likely to team up.

Asked what he thought the odds were on a merger, Sir Edward told GB News’s Chopper’s Political Podcast: “Oh, I think very high.”

Pressed if it was “odds on”, he added: “70% I should think. Or if not merger [a deal of some sort].”

Sir Edward also said he had “no idea” if Kemi Badenoch would lead the Tories into the next election, due by 2029.

He said: “I have no idea. I wish her well. But I have to say going back in history we did burn through three leaders after we lost badly in 1997 before we got to one who won.

“So, whoever is leader at the moment, and by the way if Robert Jenrick had won people would be criticising him and saying he is a Tory boy, he is out of touch.

“So who knows who is going to lead us into the next [election] but I wish her well.”

Most Popular Comments

“I am thankful Reform appeared on the scene. After the disaster of 30 years of Labour and Tory governments, and still more to come. I would have …” 25

“Not a chance, Reform won’t carry other people’s luggage. Vote Reform.” 14

“Meantime, as they doth proteste too much, Reform’s membership has just Ticked over …” 12

JOIN THE DEBATE

But Ms Badenoch dismissed Sir Edward’s prediction, saying: “I am afraid I do disagree with Sir Edward. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but the Conservative Party is under new leadership. It is important that people know what we stand for.

“And the public are tired of backroom deals and not getting what it is that they vote for. What I need to make sure is that people can see that we are the party demonstrating true and authentic conservative principles.”

It comes after Ms Badenoch earlier this month dismissed the idea of an agreement with Nigel Farage’s party as “for the birds”.

Reform leader Mr Farage has also ruled out a pact with the Conservatives.

It comes as the insurgent party, which returned five MPs at the last election, is leading some national opinion polls.