Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin has called for a united front among right-wing political parties in the lead-up to the next general election, warning that internal disputes could jeopardize their chances and disappoint voters. Pochin, the Member of Parliament for Runcorn and Helsby, emphasized the need for these parties to look at the "bigger picture" and avoid letting "squabbles" undermine their objectives.
Speaking at a Reform UK conference event, Pochin expressed a strong desire to prevent the Labour party from retaining power. "I would feel devastated if the Right destroys itself," she stated during a live recording of the Daily T podcast. "We cannot let Right-wing voters down by squabbles. We need to be able to look at the bigger picture if we're going to save this country and put it back on a trajectory which I think most of us in this room desire."
She also addressed the political attacks often exchanged between parties on the right, advocating for a more elevated discourse. "I think we need to rise above all of this tittle tattle and think about the huge mission that we are on. That needs to be the driving force. Not all of this nonsense," Pochin said. She also drew a distinction between male and female politicians, suggesting that women, in her view, tend to have smaller egos and focus more on the task at hand.
Pochin's remarks come despite explicit rejections of any electoral pacts by Reform leader Nigel Farage and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Expectations for a potential deal between Reform UK and Restore Britain, a rival right-wing party founded by Rupert Lowe, have also reportedly dampened.
Lowe, who was initially elected as a Reform representative before leaving the party, had previously offered to "unite the Right" to challenge Labour. However, Reform insiders have expressed skepticism about a deal, particularly after Lowe declined to dismiss a controversial top aide. The growing popularity of Restore Britain has reportedly raised concerns within Reform that it may be drawing support away from Farage's party. Pochin specifically commented on Lowe's actions, stating that he "needs to think very seriously about the damage he is potentially doing to the Reform vote."
While Pochin and former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries, who has since joined Reform, have advocated for unity, other voices within Reform UK have taken a more confrontational stance. Reform's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, has publicly stated that the party should aim to "put the Tories out of business" rather than pursue a deal with them, criticizing the Conservative party's record in power.