Reform UK’s “clear objective” is to “destroy the Conservative Party”, a Tory former Cabinet minister has warned. 

Sir Liam Fox, the ex-international trade secretary, said Nigel Farage was “not a friend” of the Conservatives and his party was “not an ally”. 

Sir Liam made the comments as Mr Farage prepares to unveil Reform’s “contract” with the nation at an event in Wales this afternoon. 

The senior Tory told Sky News: “They [Reform] have a clear objective, which is to destroy the Conservative Party, and they don’t actually seem to mind what the implications of that would be. 

“Let me just take two elements of that. The Labour Party are proposing closer regulatory alignment with the European Union in things like veterinary services and goods. 

“That’s what Nigel Farage said he could never accept. Now he seems quite happy for his party to hand Labour seats to do exactly what he wanted to avoid, which was closer regulatory alignment with the EU. 

“Trade union reform, Labour Party proposing more trade union rights. So this is not, Nigel Farage is not a friend of the Conservative Party. Reform is not an ally of the Conservative Party. They seek to destroy it.”

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