Reform UK Gains Another Tory Defector as Conservative Rifts Widen

Britain’s populist Reform UK party has gained another defector from the Conservative Party, with MP Andrew Rosindell announcing his decision to leave the Tories and join Nigel Farage’s movement.

The move adds to growing pressure on the Conservatives as they struggle to hold their parliamentary ranks together after their election defeat.

Rosindell, who served on the Conservative foreign affairs team, said he had resigned his party membership and roles because he could no longer support the direction taken by both the government and his former party. He said his decision was driven by principle rather than political convenience and described Reform UK as offering clearer positions on national sovereignty and national interest.

• Andrew Rosindell defects from Conservatives to Reform UK
• Reform UK gains seventh MP as Tory divisions deepen
• Defection adds pressure on Conservatives after election defeat

His defection increases Reform UK’s presence in the House of Commons to seven MPs, an unprecedented level for the party. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has sought to present the party as a home for voters and politicians dissatisfied with what he describes as policy convergence between Labour Party and the Conservatives on key national issues.

Rosindell cited opposition to the handling of the Chagos Islands agreement as a decisive factor. The deal, under which Britain would recognise Mauritian sovereignty while leasing back the Diego Garcia military base, has sparked criticism from several Conservative figures. Rosindell said the agreement crossed a line and accused both major parties of ignoring long-standing strategic and legal concerns.

The defection follows a recent high-profile departure by former Conservative frontbencher Robert Jenrick, underlining internal divisions within the opposition party. Conservative officials have sought to downplay the impact, arguing that Reform UK’s influence remains limited despite recent polling gains.

Opinion surveys, however, suggest Reform UK is drawing support from right-leaning voters frustrated with the Conservatives’ record in government and their stance in opposition. Some polls now place Reform UK ahead of the Conservatives, an unusual development in British politics.

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With the next general election 2029 not due until later in the decade, Rosindell’s move highlights continuing volatility on the right of the political spectrum and raises questions about the Conservatives’ ability to prevent further defections.