Reform gloats as 20 Tory councillors defect to Nigel Farage's party

Kemi Badenoch was pummelled with a slew of councillor defections to Reform today as she insisted there will be no deal with Nigel Farage.

The insurgents have been dripping out the names of switchers this morning as Mrs Badenoch tries to rally her troops at the annual conference in Manchester.

So-called 'Operation Rolling Thunder' is designed to emphasise the change in the balance of power on the political Right. Mr Farage said the 20 defectors showed the Conservatives are 'finished'.

'This morning we announced that 20 Conservative Councillors have defected to Reform UK. The Conservative Party is finished,' he said.

But touring broadcast studios this morning, Mrs Badenoch insisted the conference was going well and played down a poll suggesting nearly two-thirds of members would support an electoral pact.