Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf has responded forcefully to comments made by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who characterized Reform UK as a "woke" and "grievance" party. Badenoch had previously ruled out any potential pact with Reform UK, stating they were focused on "moaning and whinging" rather than offering solutions.
Yusuf suggested Badenoch's remarks were an impulsive reaction to recent controversies within the Conservative party, notably a scandal involving a former neo-Nazi candidate. "I don't think Kemi's had the best few days, and she's obviously lashed out at Reform and started calling us names," Yusuf stated.
He acknowledged that Reform UK has grievances, citing the Conservative party's 14-year tenure in power and unfulfilled promises. "We have a grievance with the fact they [the Tories] spent 14 years lying to the British public," Yusuf said. He specifically referenced the Conservatives' pledge to reduce legal immigration to the tens of thousands, contrasting it with a gross influx of one million people. Yusuf also criticized the government's approach to prison capacity and early release of inmates, including those convicted of serious crimes, particularly in light of recent complaints about early release policies.
Yusuf also commented on Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp's recent visit to the Channel to document migrant crossings, describing it as "an odd display of narcissism."
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, had previously ruled out a pact with the Conservative party on the Monday preceding these exchanges. Badenoch, speaking on the Political Currency podcast, defined "woke" as a mindset focused on "grievance" and "victim narratives," and "oppressor narratives," such as those alleging "whites are the oppressors" or "men are the oppressors."