The leader of Reform UK has publicly stated that his party intends a “reverse takeover” of the Conservative Party, seeking to absorb it over time through defections rather than a negotiated alliance.

During private discussions with donors, he reportedly said that he foresaw the Conservative Party ceasing to operate as a national force before the next election, and that Reform would welcome any MPs willing to “jump ship”.

While he denied that a formal electoral deal was on the cards, he argued that cooperation with the Conservatives under their current leadership “would cost us votes.” His deputy reiterated that Reform seeks dominance of the right — not a merger.

The comments come as Reform has already picked up more than twenty current and former Conservative Members of Parliament.

Some donors say they believe a future formal pact remains possible — particularly if the Conservative leadership were to change — but senior Reform figures say their ambition remains to subsume, not ally with, the party.

The mounting defections and Reform’s surge in popular support have triggered alarm within Conservative ranks.

The governing party now faces internal questioning over how best to retain its ground — especially as Reform’s consolidation reshapes the UK rightwing landscape.

Opponents, particularly from the main left-leaning party, claim the developments amount to a de facto merger of conservative forces.

They warn that such a shift could destabilise political competition and narrow voter choice.

Reform leaders reject that characterisation, insisting their approach preserves choice by offering a fresh alternative to a faltering Conservative brand.