James Cleverly issues stark Reform warning to Tories: 'Dismissing Nigel Farage is WRONG'

The former cabinet minister suggested established parties need to properly understand the political landscape when responding to Reform UK.

Cleverly emphasised that political parties should recognise what drives voter behaviour rather than simply reacting to Reform's presence.

He praised Farage's ability to generate headlines, calling him "a fantastic political communicator".

Cleverly acknowledged that while Farage excels at communication, he has "never run anything".

This observation came as part of his broader assessment of Reform UK's political positioning.

"He's never run anything, but in the job that he's got at the moment, he is, I suppose, as good an example of what an insurgent political party needs at its helm," Cleverly told GB News.

Cleverly warned that dismissing Farage would be a mistake for established political parties.

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"We've got to recognise that, and dismissing him is an error," he told GB News.

The former Home Secretary stressed the importance of understanding political cause and effect.

"I think it's important that all political parties understand what is cause and what is effect," Cleverly said.

He cautioned against simply reacting to "Reform or Nigel Farage getting headlines".

Calling on the Tories to "get their act together, Cleverly urged the party to "recognise that we need to reconnect with a whole load of people", in order to win back voters.

He concluded: "My party, we need to recognise that we need to reconnect with a whole load of people. And actually, when I say young, I don't just mean people in their 20s like my kids.

"Looking at the most recent election results, young means anyone under 50, and I think it's a worry for political parties in general."

He stated: "But we have a particular duty within the Conservative Party to get our act together, and do so quickly."