In a significant blow to the Conservative Party, former minister Robert Jenrick has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK. His move brings the total number of current or former Tory parliamentarians who have joined the rival party to 18. This exodus represents a deepening crisis for the Tories as they face a resurgent challenge from the right.
Prominent Figures Who Have Already Defected
The list of defectors includes several high-profile names who are now likely to become prominent voices for Reform in the lead-up to the next general election.
Lee Anderson, the MP for Ashfield, made history by becoming Reform's first ever MP when he defected in 2024. The former Labour councillor and Conservative MP left the Tories after having the whip removed. He had refused to apologise for claiming Islamists had "got control" of London's Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan. Known for his blunt, working-class style, Anderson provides a distinct contrast to Nigel Farage.
Danny Kruger, the MP for East Wiltshire, joined Reform in September last year. His defection was seen as unexpected, given his background as an advocate of 'compassionate conservatism' and author of David Cameron's famous "hug a hoodie" speech in 2006. A former Telegraph writer, Kruger is tasked with ensuring the party's policies are costed and that it is prepared for government.
Nadhim Zahawi, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, defected earlier this week, marking one of the riskiest acquisitions for Reform. While he brings valuable ministerial experience from roles including Education Secretary and Tory Party Chair, he also carries political baggage. Zahawi was sacked as Conservative chair in 2023 over controversies surrounding his tax affairs.
Conservative Figures Who May Yet Cross the Floor
Despite Nigel Farage's recent claim that the value of new defectors is diminishing, and his suggestion he may stop accepting them after the May elections, speculation continues to swirl around several other Conservative figures.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Business Secretary and prominent Brexiteer, has long been touted as a potential recruit. He lost his seat in the 2024 election but remains a high-profile media figure. Although he has called for unity between the Tories and Reform, he has so far stopped short of joining Farage's party.
Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary known for her hardline stance on immigration and culture war rhetoric, is another name frequently mentioned. Her husband briefly joined Reform, though he later left. Braverman's cabinet career ended after she accused the Metropolitan Police of bias in a newspaper article.
Katie Lam, the Conservative MP for Weald of Kent, is seen as a rising star on the party's anti-immigration wing. A close ally of Robert Jenrick, she has argued that a large number of legal migrants should "go home" to foster cultural coherence. Her future moves are now watched closely following Jenrick's defection.
Brandon Lewis, the former Northern Ireland Secretary, is also considered a potential defector. An ally of Boris Johnson, he ran Nadhim Zahawi's leadership campaign. A significant hurdle, however, is his past support for remaining in the EU in 2016.
Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk and another Jenrick ally, saw his chances of defection plummet recently. He accepted the shadow justice portfolio that Jenrick had just vacated, signalling a commitment to remain within the Conservative fold for now.
Implications for UK Politics
The steady stream of defections to Reform UK underscores a fundamental realignment occurring on the British right. With 18 former Conservatives now in its ranks, including figures with significant ministerial experience, Reform is systematically building a credible alternative to the Tory party.
Nigel Farage's strategy appears focused on consolidating this gain and demonstrating the party's independent strength, hence his comments about the diminishing value of further defections. The political landscape is shifting, and the battle for the votes of disaffected Conservatives will be a defining feature of the next election campaign.
