Keir Starmer criticized Nigel Farage’s Reform Party for attracting disgraced Tory politicians in its latest defection. During a tense PMQs session, the Prime Minister joked about Conservative members switching sides, specifically mentioning Nadhim Zahawi’s recent departure over tax issues.
He pointed out that Reform’s lineup includes a mayoral candidate with aversion to London, a new Tory member with tax payment struggles, and a leader more present in France than in his constituency. The PM humorously mentioned a visit to an IKEA branch, teasing about an imaginary “Ikea shadow cabinet” made of unreliable components defecting to Reform.
Referring to Farage’s association with former Tory members, the PM quipped about the “laundry service of disgraced Tory politicians.” Zahawi alleged that Kemi Badenoch sought his advice on political strategies before his switch. The PM sarcastically remarked on Badenoch’s consultations, hinting at Zahawi’s sudden move to Reform and the party’s eagerness to embrace defectors.
Badenoch retorted confidently, stating that the Prime Minister need not worry about her loyalty. Farage, in return, criticized Reform’s mayoral candidate for London, highlighting their alleged disconnection from the city and tax-payment issues.