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Both Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick have furiously slapped down claims of a Tory-Reform pact at the next election.

Mr Farageโ€™s denial came shortly after reports were published claiming he had told donors there would need to be a deal or a merger between the two right-wing parties before the next general election.

One donor claimed the Reform leader doesnโ€™t believe he can sweep into Downing Street on his own, but that such a deal would have to be agreed on his terms. Last night Mr Farage branded the FT report โ€œfalseโ€, adding โ€œAfter 14 years of dishonesty & lies they should never be forgiven.

“The idea Iโ€™d work with them is ludicrous. They betrayed my trust in 2019 & we will ensure they cease to be a national party in May.โ€

The Reform UK leader was referring to his agreement to stand down in hundreds of seats in the 2019 general election, allowing Boris Johnson to sweep to victory against Jeremy Corbyn.

However Mr Farage and Reform UK widely view the major concession as a betrayal after Mr Johnsonโ€™s subsequent handling of immigration, Brexit, Net Zero and lockdowns.

This morning top Tory Robert Jenrick also insisted โ€œthere wonโ€™t be a dealโ€ with Reform UK.

Speaking on Times Radio the Shadow Justice Secretary said: โ€œI can’t speculate on what Nigel might have said at a boozy lunch in the City to his mates.

“All I can say is that my leader Kemi Badenoch said there won’t be a deal. Nigel Farage has said there won’t be a deal so there won’t be a deal. There won’t be a deal. These are two distinct political parties and their respective leaders have said no deal. So it’s as simple as that.”

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