The Newshound

Reform is to hold a US-style open primary to find a candidate to oust Kemi Badenoch in her Essex seat

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

Kemi Badenoch, whose North West Essex majority of only 2,610 makes her vulnerable to Reform UK's plan to hold a US-style open primary to find a candidate to unseat her.
Kemi Badenoch, whose North West Essex majority of only 2,610 makes her vulnerable to Reform UK's plan to hold a US-style open primary to find a candidate to unseat her.

Reform UK is taking aim at Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's North West Essex seat through a US-style open primary, open to all local residents rather than party members alone. The move is timed to coincide with the eve of Badenoch's address to the Tory conference in Birmingham. Nigel Farage will preside over the final public vote, scheduled for November and to be broadcast live.

Badenoch held North West Essex in 2024 with a majority of only 2,610, and Reform wrested Essex county council from the Tories in May.

A Reform spokesman said local residents will be able to pick 'a candidate that will actually show up for the area and form part of the next government.'

The primary arrives against a backdrop of speculation that Andy Burnham might trigger an early election next spring, though Burnham stated last week there would be no poll before 2029.

MoreGB NewsNigel Farage's Reform UK plots 'US-style primary' to oust Kemi Badenoch from Tory seatThe IndependentReform to target Kemi Badenoch’s seat with US-style primaryYahooReform to target Kemi Badenoch’s Essex seat with US-style primary
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