A bitter feud between Conservative leaders and Reform UK has escalated into an unexpected diplomatic spat after claims the Italian prime minister allegedly urged the UK’s Conservative leader to abandon a potential alliance with Reform. The row unfolded after The Times published a report suggesting the meeting in Rome included a direct warning against a right-wing merger, though the article was later revised following objections from both Reform and Meloni’s office. The incident highlights the deep divisions within the UK’s right-wing political bloc, where party leaders have long competed for influence—and now appear locked in an unusual battle for the support of a foreign leader. The controversy underscores how personal rivalries and strategic maneuvering are playing out on the international stage.
Tories accuse Reform of ‘peddling conspiracy theories’ as row erupts in wake of Conservative leader’s trip to Rome Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch have spent years trading barbs and fighting for the rightwing vote. But now the party leaders find themselves in a much more bizarre struggle – for the affections of the rightwing Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.The row began on Monday when the Times published an article claiming that during a meeting in Rome, Meloni had advised the Conservative leader against doing a deal with Farage to unite the right. After complaints from Reform – and, reportedly, Meloni’s team – the article was amended to remove that claim. Continue reading...
