London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Tuesday, Jul 08, 2025

Conservative Pact Discussions Premised on Labour Threat: Shadow Minister's Remarks

Greg Smith, a shadow minister, emphasizes the potential necessity for the Conservative Party to forge an alliance with Reform UK ahead of future elections to mitigate Labour's influence.
Greg Smith, a shadow business minister, has articulated that the Conservative Party may need to negotiate a pact with Reform UK before the next general election if there is a discernible risk of Labour winning.

In an interview, Smith responded affirmatively when asked if he would support such a deal, emphasizing the importance of right-of-centre parties collaborating to avoid a Labour government.

He stated, 'Look, I think if we want to get rid of socialism from this country, there may well be a point where the right-of-centre parties have to play nicely.'

However, Smith noted that at this juncture, he hopes for a Conservative victory without the necessity of a formal arrangement.

He acknowledged that while discussions about 'playing nicely' could range from a non-aggression pact to a more concrete electoral alliance, it remains 'far too early' to determine specific strategies.

Smith anticipates that as the 2029 general election approaches, the dynamics may compel right-of-centre parties to reassess their positions, particularly if a Labour administration appears likely, or should the scenario arise where a Labour/Lib Dem/SNP coalition forms, which could lead to changes in electoral representation such as proportional representation.

In response to concerns regarding the party's platform, Smith asserted that Britain does not lean left and stressed the need for the Conservative Party to present a distinct policy offer that would enable it to regain a parliamentary majority.

He referenced the significant rejection of the Conservative platform in the previous election cycle and reinforced the party's goal of achieving a majority government.

When queried about his support for a government led by Nigel Farage, Smith declined to provide a definitive answer, reiterating his focus on securing a Conservative win.

Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrats' deputy leader, responded critically to Smith's comments, urging Kemi Badenoch, the Minister for Business and Trade, to dismiss Smith from her frontbench team.

She framed his statements as indicative of the Conservatives' potential shift towards collaboration with Farage and Reform UK, particularly as the party faces challenges in the upcoming local elections.

In another context, Keir Starmer has engaged in discussions regarding the formation of a 'coalition of the willing' to support Ukraine, declaring an intention to convert political discussions into actionable military strategies during a meeting with defense officials.

Further reports indicate discrepancies in council tax across different regions, with households in the north-east facing an average bill almost 18% higher than those in Greater London, raising implications for local governance and funding adequacy amidst growing demand for services and potential cuts.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
×