In a significant blow to the Conservative Party, MP Andrew Rosindell has defected to Reform UK, becoming the second Tory parliamentarian to switch allegiance within a single week.
A Resignation and a Defection
The Member of Parliament for Romford announced his decision on the evening of Sunday 18 January 2026. He confirmed he was resigning from his role as a shadow foreign office minister on Kemi Badenoch's frontbench and leaving the Conservative Party altogether.
This move follows the high-profile defection of former immigration minister Robert Jenrick just days earlier, on Thursday. With Rosindell's crossing of the floor, the total number of MPs now sitting for Reform UK has risen to seven.
Both Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Mr Jenrick publicly welcomed the new recruit, describing him as a "patriot".
Putting "Country Before Party"
In a statement explaining his dramatic move, Andrew Rosindell, who has represented Romford since 2001, said the time had come to put "country before party".
He highlighted his long-standing loyalty to the party, having joined at the age of 14, and his commitment to principles he associated with Margaret Thatcher. However, he cited a specific failure as a red line.
"The failure of the Conservative Party both when in government and more recently in opposition to actively hold the government to account on the issue of Chagossian self-determination and the defence of British sovereignty, represents a clear red line for me," Rosindell stated.
Who is Andrew Rosindell?
A veteran parliamentarian, Rosindell has been a consistent Eurosceptic voice. He was a long-time campaigner for Brexit and belonged to a small group of Tories who repeatedly voted against the Brexit withdrawal agreement.
He is also known for his fervent advocacy of British symbols, notably campaigning for the Union flag to be flown on public buildings. His efforts contributed to the flag flying permanently from the Victoria Tower of the Palace of Westminster since 2010. He currently chairs the Flags & Heraldry Committee in Parliament.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The defection has sparked sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. A Conservative Party source claimed Rosindell had threatened to defect for months but had denied it as recently as Saturday.
"The Conservative Party supported Rosindell throughout his many troubles, and he's responded by stabbing his friends, colleagues and activists in the back. Reform are welcome to him," the source said.
Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley suggested the "stench of a failed and dying Tory party engulfs Reform". A Liberal Democrat spokesperson dismissed the move, saying it "isn't a political earthquake" but rather "a change of rosette for a career politician worried about getting a P45".
Following the defections of Rosindell, Jenrick, and earlier, former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she was "100% confident" no more members of her shadow cabinet would leave for Reform.
The incident comes as Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has set a deadline of 7 May 2026 – the date of crucial local elections – for admitting current and former MPs and councillors who wish to defect. Asked about this deadline, Ms Badenoch remarked, "I think people should be wondering why they set that deadline."
