A significant political realignment is underway in British politics, with a steady stream of former Conservative MPs crossing the floor to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Since March 2024, a total of 20 former and sitting Tory MPs have defected, drawn by the party's rising poll numbers and its claim to be the true home for right-wing voters.
The Defection Timeline: From Anderson to Zahawi
The procession began with Lee Anderson, the former Conservative Party vice-chair, who became Reform's first MP on 11 March 2024. The most recent and senior figure to join is Nadhim Zahawi, the former Chancellor, who defected on 12 January 2026, labelling the Conservative Party a "defunct brand".
In between, a series of high-profile names have made the switch. These include former cabinet ministers like Nadine Dorries and Sir Jake Berry, alongside former ministers such as Sarah Atherton (defence) and Maria Caulfield (health). The defections have not been limited to backbenchers; Danny Kruger became the first sitting Tory MP to defect on 15 September 2025 while serving in the shadow cabinet.
Reasons Behind the Political Exodus
The defectors have cited a consistent set of grievances with their former party. A common theme is the belief that the Conservatives have "lost touch" with their voters and "lost their way". Former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis articulated this, stating the Tory party had "lost touch with the people it was meant to serve".
Many express a belief that Reform UK represents the necessary vision for the country. Former Bolton West MP Chris Green said the Tories had "broken trust with Britain", while ex-Gravesham MP Adam Holloway claimed Reform was the only party to grasp "the scale of our national peril". A strong personal endorsement of Nigel Farage is also prevalent, with Zahawi stating the UK "really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister".
Profiles and Political Futures
The defectors come from diverse backgrounds and have taken on various roles within Reform UK:
- Lee Anderson, Reform's first MP, now serves as the party's chief whip.
- Danny Kruger holds the key position of head of preparing for government.
- Anne Marie Morris leads the party's social care policy.
- Several former MPs, including Dame Andrea Jenkyns and Ben Bradley, have been elected as Reform mayors at the local level.
The list also includes figures with controversial pasts. Aidan Burley was sacked as a ministerial aide after attending a Nazi-themed stag do, while Anne Marie Morris lost the Tory whip for using a racial slur. Their inclusion has sparked debate about the party's vetting process and broader appeal.
This sustained migration of political talent from the Conservatives to Reform UK marks one of the most significant shifts in modern UK politics. It underscores the deep fractures within the traditional party of the right and poses a substantial, ongoing threat to its electoral viability. As the next general election approaches, the impact of these defections on voter loyalty and political strategy will be closely watched.
