John Major on Reform
TL;DR
Sir John Major strongly warns the Conservative Party against forming any kind of alliance with the populist Reform party.
Key Points
In a 2025 statement, John Major called any alliance with Reform "beyond stupid" for the Conservative Party.
He has compared aspects of the movement to other radical populists who attack established institutions, including the judiciary.
Major issued his stern warnings and advice to the Conservative Party throughout October 2025, particularly targeting electoral pact discussions.
Summary
Sir John Major has forcefully and repeatedly expressed deep opposition to any potential electoral or political alliance between the governing Conservative Party and the populist Reform movement, deeming such a partnership "beyond stupid." He views any cooperation as antithetical to the Conservative ethos and warns it would be a significant political miscalculation that could lead to electoral disaster for the main party. Major insists that the current iteration of the populist movement represents a significant threat, claiming it shares characteristics with other radical political movements that attack established institutions, including the judiciary, and that engaging with it fundamentally betrays traditional Conservative values and principles.
His current position appears consistent with a general skepticism toward radical populist shifts within the political landscape, contrasting sharply with the perceived needs of the ruling party to appease its right flank. Major frames the rise of the Reform movement as a symptom of political failure rather than a legitimate alternative, often suggesting that aligning with it would merely provide the insurgents with validation while alienating moderate voters. This stance places him in direct opposition to elements within his own party who see engagement with the group as a pragmatic necessity to prevent electoral losses in certain seats.
Key Quotes
“We over-use prison and under value alternative sentences
Frequently Asked Questions
Sir John Major holds a strongly negative position regarding the populist Reform movement. He has vocally warned the Conservative Party that entering into any alliance with Reform would be a grave political error, according to his remarks in late 2025. He views the group as a threat to core political stability.
John Major's public statements suggest a consistent and strong opposition to populist movements akin to Reform. He has reiterated his warnings against an alliance throughout 2025, indicating a fixed position rather than an evolution in his viewpoint on the matter. His stance is presented as rooted in traditional Conservative principles.
John Major stated that an alliance with Reform would be "beyond stupid" for the Conservative Party, telling them not to be tempted by the prospect. He expressed this view at a Conservative Party lunch in October 2025, underlining his firm belief that it would damage the main party's electoral prospects. He framed it as a betrayal of Conservative values.
Sources10
John Major tells Tories an alliance with Reform is ‘beyond stupid’
Major and Heseltine’s attacks on Reform are hard to take seriously
Sir John Major: We over-use prison and under-value alternative sentences
John Major tells Tories alliance with Reform is ‘beyond stupid’
John Major: Tories must not ally with Reform
Reform have become the mirror image of 14 years of Conservative failure
Sir John Major’s remarks at Conservative Party lunch – 28 October 2025
Tories blame Reform for rise as John Major warns against alliance
Populism and the End of Consensus Politics
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.