Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has launched a fierce defence of Nigel Farage after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed him as being in "showbusiness" rather than politics.
Anderson told GB News that Badenoch's characterisation of Farage as "just a reality TV star" was "quite ridiculous".
The clash between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage has intensified after the Conservative leader took aim at the Reform UK chief's political credentials.
Badenoch dismissed Farage's chances of becoming Prime Minister, suggesting he belongs in entertainment rather than government.
The Tory leader told The Telegraph that politics is not "showbusiness" in what appeared to be a direct reference to Farage's appearance on I'm A Celebrity.
Anderson suggested the Tory leader was mistaken about her own political positioning, stating: "Kemi is not even on the right, let's be honest."
"Nigel has been the most influential politician over the past 30, 40 years," Anderson insisted.
He warned that attacks on Farage would backfire on the Conservatives, saying: "Politicians who continually attack Nigel always come out worse."
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The Reform UK MP questioned the Conservatives' record in government, asking: "They're saying they've got experience - experience in what, messing up the country?"
Anderson further warned that Badenoch's "spiteful" comments about Farage would only alienate more Conservative voters.
"It just turns more people off the Conservatives," he told GB News.
Anderson emphasised that Farage has built substantial public trust: "Nigel's got a huge following in this country now, people are putting their trust in Nigel Farage and Reform UK. And to keep having a little silly, spiteful dig at Nigel - what does it do?
"I know a lot of the Conservative voters, I've spoken to over 100 associations in the country, and now when I go to the Reform UK Association dinners and events and fundraisers, it's nearly the same people, nearly all the same people."
Badenoch acknowledged Farage's popularity but questioned whether this would translate to electoral success.
"Having appeal doesn't mean that people want you running their lives," she said.
Badenoch elaborated on her criticism by drawing a clear distinction between entertainment and governance.
"This isn't I'm A Celebrity or Strictly Come Dancing. You don't vote for the person that you're enjoying watching and then switch off when the show's over," she told The Telegraph.
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Anderson told GB News that Badenoch's characterisation of Farage as "just a reality TV star" was "quite ridiculous".
The clash between Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage has intensified after the Conservative leader took aim at the Reform UK chief's political credentials.
Badenoch dismissed Farage's chances of becoming Prime Minister, suggesting he belongs in entertainment rather than government.
The Tory leader told The Telegraph that politics is not "showbusiness" in what appeared to be a direct reference to Farage's appearance on I'm A Celebrity.
Anderson suggested the Tory leader was mistaken about her own political positioning, stating: "Kemi is not even on the right, let's be honest."
"Nigel has been the most influential politician over the past 30, 40 years," Anderson insisted.
He warned that attacks on Farage would backfire on the Conservatives, saying: "Politicians who continually attack Nigel always come out worse."
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The Reform UK MP questioned the Conservatives' record in government, asking: "They're saying they've got experience - experience in what, messing up the country?"
Anderson further warned that Badenoch's "spiteful" comments about Farage would only alienate more Conservative voters.
"It just turns more people off the Conservatives," he told GB News.
Anderson emphasised that Farage has built substantial public trust: "Nigel's got a huge following in this country now, people are putting their trust in Nigel Farage and Reform UK. And to keep having a little silly, spiteful dig at Nigel - what does it do?
"I know a lot of the Conservative voters, I've spoken to over 100 associations in the country, and now when I go to the Reform UK Association dinners and events and fundraisers, it's nearly the same people, nearly all the same people."
Badenoch acknowledged Farage's popularity but questioned whether this would translate to electoral success.
"Having appeal doesn't mean that people want you running their lives," she said.
Badenoch elaborated on her criticism by drawing a clear distinction between entertainment and governance.
"This isn't I'm A Celebrity or Strictly Come Dancing. You don't vote for the person that you're enjoying watching and then switch off when the show's over," she told The Telegraph.
Find Out More...