Badenoch says Reform defectors ‘some of the most dishonest people I have met’

Kemi Badenoch said a ‘monstrous Reform-Conservative hybrid’ was not an option at the next general election. Photograph: Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images

Kemi Badenoch has called defectors who left for Reform “some of the most dishonest people” she has ever met, as she ruled out allowing “drama queens” to return to the party.

Speaking at the Edinburgh festival fringe, the Conservative party leader again ruled out any prospect of an election deal with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, insisting there would be no coalition between the parties.