Kemi Badenoch: Rather have election than deal with Reform UK

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has made it clear that she would prefer to trigger another general election rather than form any coalition or deal with Reform UK to secure government power, should the upcoming election result in a hung parliament.

Recent opinion polling consistently points toward a hung parliament scenario, with the Labour Party currently projected to capture the largest share of seats, followed by Reform UK and the Conservative Party. As the annual Conservative Party conference in Birmingham draws to a close, Badenoch has used the platform to roll out significant economic adjustments.

The updated policy framework shifts the focus toward lowering hiring costs for employers taking on young adults aged 21 through 24. Under the proposal, the standard employer National Insurance contribution rate would be halved from 15% down to 7.5% for this demographic, replacing the previously floated First Job Bonus savings account initiative.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Party officials noted that the revised measure helps smooth out the steep cliff edge where employer NI jumps from zero to the full rate once an employee turns 21. This targeted approach is designed to tackle the pressing issue of employment barriers, given that approximately one million young people across the UK remain outside education, employment, or training.