Priti Patel ‘would be very useful’ for Reform UK as Ann Widdecombe reacts to failed Tory leadership bid

Robert Jenrick topped the poll of MPs with 28 votes, followed by Kemi Badenoch on 22 votes.

Speaking on GB News, Widdecombe weighed up the prospect of Patel defecting to Nigel Farage’s populist party.

The Ex-home secretary is an ally of the Reform head honcho and has been tipped by some quarters to join his ranks.

Asked by Martin Daubney whether the party would be open to such a prospect, Widdecombe said: “I have no idea whether Dame Priti Patel has any interest in joining us at all.

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“If she did, I think she would be a very useful addition. But not as the leader of the Tory party.”

Asked by Daubney if she is “right-wing enough” to be a Reform member, Widdecombe insisted such a factor is not the “sole criteria”.

“When you say that, that is not the sole criteria on which Reform welcomes people into its midst”, she said.

“Trying to portray us as right-wing nutters is not valid.”

Asked about Patel’s early departure from the leadership contest, Widdecombe said: “I think it is slightly surprising, but I don’t feel an overwhelming sense of shock.

“Priti did not have a wonderful record when she was in a position to do something. To be honest, I won’t get exercised about this until we are down to the last two.

“We will then see what the realistic choice is.”

The winner of the Tory leadership contest will replace Rishi Sunak, who stood down as party leader after leading them to their worst performance at a general election in July.

Another vote is set to be held next Tuesday to whittle the field down to four candidates before the annual conference takes place at the end of September.