As the UK gears up for pivotal local elections in 2025, murmurs of a potential alliance—or even a merger—between the Conservative Party and Reform UK are gaining traction. With Labour poised to make gains amid Tory struggles and Reform’s surge in popularity, discussions about “uniting the right” have resurfaced in political circles and the media.
But while some party figures float the idea of joining forces to consolidate their voter base, new polling shows a divided public. Far from a groundswell of support, many voters from both parties remain hesitant, with nearly as many opposed as in favor of a merger.
The speculation follows a turbulent few years for the Conservatives, marked by leadership changes, internal divisions, and declining poll numbers. Meanwhile, Reform UK—rebranded and revitalized under Nigel Farage’s guidance—has capitalized on voter dissatisfaction, especially on issues like immigration and national identity.
What started as whispers from strategists has now turned into public remarks from senior figures, including Conservative MP Robert Jenrick and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. But even as these conversations unfold, voter sentiment appears cautious at best—and sharply divided at worst.
The local elections will not only test the electoral strength of each party but may also offer clues about the feasibility of a broader right-wing alliance. Could these two ideologically adjacent yet stylistically distinct parties find common ground? Or will deep-rooted distrust and competing ambitions keep them apart?
What’s Sparking Merger Talks Between Tories and Reform UK?
The primary catalyst for the merger talk is the looming electoral challenge posed by a resurgent Labour Party. With the Conservatives facing backlash over inflation, healthcare pressures, and immigration concerns, their traditional voter base has begun to fragment. Reform UK has stepped in to capture much of that disaffection, presenting itself as the authentic voice of the right.
Reform UK’s appeal lies in its uncompromising rhetoric, anti-establishment tone, and targeted critique of the Tories’ perceived failures. Nigel Farage’s media savvy and populist instincts have revived a party that once seemed on the fringes. Polling now suggests Reform UK could siphon off enough Tory votes to deny the Conservatives victory in dozens of marginal seats.
This electoral calculus has some Tory strategists alarmed. By combining forces—or at least coordinating in key constituencies—they believe the right could mount a more formidable opposition to Labour. The logic is simple: unite the base, avoid splitting the vote, and capitalize on shared values like sovereignty, border control, and fiscal restraint.
The local elections, serving as a dress rehearsal for the general election, have further intensified these discussions. Both parties are expected to field candidates in overlapping areas, increasing the risk of mutual losses. Behind closed doors, some insiders from both parties have reportedly floated informal non-compete arrangements.
Despite these incentives, barriers remain. Merging two parties with different brands, leadership styles, and grassroots cultures is no small feat. While Reform UK thrives on outsider energy, the Tories are an institution—with all the bureaucracy and caution that entails. Still, with Labour riding high in national polls, the pressure to collaborate is mounting.
New Poll Reveals a Split Among Voters
A recent YouGov poll provides a critical insight into how the public views the idea of a Conservative–Reform UK merger—and the results are far from a ringing endorsement. The survey, conducted in April 2025, reveals a near-even split: just 45% of current Reform UK voters support a formal merger with the Tories, while 43% oppose it outright. Among Conservative voters, 43% are in favor, and 39% are against.
These numbers suggest that, while there is some appetite for cooperation, it is by no means a consensus. This lukewarm reaction indicates potential resistance from within the grassroots of both parties, who may view a merger as a betrayal of values or political identity.
The poll also found that many voters see both parties as too distinct in character to combine successfully. Reform UK is often associated with bold, unfiltered commentary and a populist tone, whereas the Conservatives—despite recent shifts to the right—are still viewed by many as the political establishment.
This divide reflects broader trends in UK politics. Many Reform supporters are former Tory voters who defected out of frustration with perceived Conservative weakness on key issues like immigration, Brexit follow-through, and the economy. Their support for Reform is as much a protest as it is an endorsement.
The polling also revealed demographic differences. Younger right-leaning voters are less likely to support a merger, favoring Reform’s insurgent style. Older voters, meanwhile, show slightly more support for unity—perhaps motivated by fear of a Labour majority.
These numbers are a warning sign for party leaders contemplating cooperation. Without strong public buy-in, any attempt at merger risks backlash—not just from political opponents, but from their own voter bases.
Where Conservative Voters Stand
Among Conservative voters, the notion of merging with Reform UK evokes mixed feelings. While some are tempted by the idea of consolidating the right to defeat Labour, many remain skeptical. The same YouGov poll found that 39% of Tory voters oppose a merger, citing concerns over Reform UK’s tone, leadership, and policy focus.
A significant portion of Conservatives see Reform as too extreme, particularly on immigration and civil liberties. Nigel Farage, though a charismatic figure to many, is viewed by others within the Tory base as divisive. There’s also wariness about aligning with a party that thrives on attacking the very establishment the Conservatives represent.
There are ideological differences, too. Reform UK has called for sweeping reforms to civil service bureaucracy, tougher asylum laws, and withdrawal from global treaties—stances that risk alienating centrist Conservative voters. A merger, these Tories argue, could dilute the party’s broad electoral appeal and push moderate supporters toward Labour or the Liberal Democrats.
Some Conservatives also view Reform UK as a short-term force—an outlet for temporary anger, not a sustainable governing partner. For these voters, the idea of a formal alliance is not just unattractive; it’s strategically flawed.
Yet, not all Tories reject the idea. A vocal minority, especially among Brexit-hardliners and anti-immigration voters, support a closer relationship. They believe the only way to counter Labour’s current dominance is to “rally the right,” merging pragmatism with populist energy.
Reform UK Voter Sentiment
For many Reform UK voters, the idea of merging with the Conservatives is a non-starter. These voters often see themselves as having broken away from the Tory establishment precisely because it failed them. Their distrust of traditional party politics is deep, and any formal link-up with the Conservatives would be seen as selling out.
Reform UK’s rise has been fueled by its anti-elite rhetoric, uncompromising stance on national issues, and Nigel Farage’s personal brand as an outsider fighting for “real people.” Many of its supporters were former UKIP or Brexit Party voters who feel the Tories have drifted too far toward centrism.
Supporters argue that merging with the Conservatives would destroy Reform UK’s distinct identity. They fear it would be absorbed into the Tory machine, losing its independence and effectiveness as a watchdog on issues like mass immigration, free speech, and political correctness.
Still, a small but notable segment of Reform voters see the strategic value in cooperation. For them, defeating Labour is a higher priority than maintaining political purity. They argue that the right’s failure to unify could result in a generation of Labour rule, undoing Brexit gains and accelerating liberal policy agendas.
This tension creates a dilemma for Reform UK’s leadership: maintain purity and independence, or engage in realpolitik to maximize influence?
