'Just ignore Farage': Boris Johnson tells Tories how to counter the rise of Reform - as calls grow for former PM to lead the Conservatives once again
The former prime minister, who led the Tories when the Brexit Party, now known as Reform, was polling at 'zero per cent,' believes that attacking them head-on is a waste of energy.
Speaking about his time leading the Conservative Party, Mr Johnson pointed out that Reform's popularity in the polls was practically non-existent when he was in charge.
He said that his approach was clear: 'My strategy with the individuals that you mention is don't talk about them.'
He added: 'I think Conservatives need to focus on the economy and making life better for people and giving people opportunity.
'I think if we concentrate on the economy we mount full spectrum warfare on all the things that Starmer is doing wrong, we will win.'
His advice comes after Reform's rise in the polls, with the party making a significant impact in the May local elections.
Meanwhile, some Tory MPs have been calling for the former prime minister to make a dramatic return to the Commons, hoping he can evive the ailing Conservative Party.
The former prime minister, who led the Tories when the Brexit Party, now known as Reform, was polling at 'zero per cent,' believes that attacking them head-on is a waste of energy
Meanwhile, some Tory MPs have been calling for the former prime minister to make a dramatic return to the Commons, hoping he can evive the ailing Conservative Party
Reform gained control of seven local authorities and became the largest party in three more, a stunning sweep that left Conservative strongholds in tatters.
His remarks come amid growing concern in Conservative ranks about the threat from Reform, which has seen increasing support, particularly since the last general election.
While the Tories lost a staggering 252 seats and only managed a 23.2 per cent vote share, Reform surged to secure five seats with 14.3 per cent of the vote.
In recent months, both Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch have come under fire for spending too much time attacking Reform.
Mrs. Badenoch, in a March interview with The Telegraph, dismissed Nigel Farage as a 'reality TV star,' suggesting that government should not be about drama.
But Farage fired back, saying it was a good thing people knew who he was, comparing his TV background to Donald Trump's unconventional political rise.
In May, the Prime Minister escalated his rhetoric, attacking Reform directly and calling them his main political rival.
Yet, his attempt to discredit the party has only backfired.
Last month, he echoed Reform's tough stance on immigration, warning that Britain could become an 'island of strangers.'
His words sparked outrage among Labour MPs, and he was forced to walk back the comment, admitting regret.
In May this year, Mr Johnson's allies were reportedly trying to convince him to make a bombshell return.
Mrs Badenoch attempted to play down the prospect of a political return by Mr Johnson in a TV interview this morning, telling GB News: 'So, I love Boris.
'He sends me lots of messages, gives me lots of advice, like Iain Duncan Smith, like David Cameron.
'I have great people who have been in this situation before, who dealt with difficult times. So it's up to him what he wants to do.
'I have to focus on my job, which is making sure that Keir Starmer does not do more than the damage he's doing right now.
'We have to get him out in four years time, otherwise there's not going to be a country left I'm afraid.'
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