Keir Starmer criticized Nigel Farage’s group for attracting former disgraced Tory politicians in its recent recruitment drive. During a tense session of PMQs, the Prime Minister joked about Conservatives switching allegiances to Reform, mentioning the latest defector, former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who left the Tory government amid tax-related issues.
He pointed out that Reform’s lineup includes a mayoral candidate with negative views on London, a new Tory member who faced tax payment challenges, and a leader who spends more time in France than in his constituency. The PM humorously mentioned an Ikea shadow cabinet analogy while highlighting changes to paternity leave rules during a visit to an Ikea store in Croydon.
In response, he mocked the “laundry service” of disgraced Tory politicians associated with Nigel Farage. Nadhim Zahawi claimed that Kemi Badenoch sought his advice on revitalizing her political standing before his defection. The PM quipped about Badenoch seeking advice and the subsequent defection, labeling it as a pitiful situation with former Tory MPs jumping ship to Reform.
Badenoch retorted confidently to the Prime Minister’s comments, indicating she was not concerned. Nigel Farage criticized Reform’s London mayoral candidate, highlighting their apparent disconnection with London, tax payment issues of a recent Tory recruit, and the leader’s absence from their constituency.