BREAKING: Tory MP defects to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in one other blow to Kemi Badenoch
Andrew Rosindell has become the second Tory MP to jump ship and defect to Reform UK in the space of a week.
It is another blow to Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch, who just days ago was forced to sack Robert Jenrick after getting wind of his planned defection. Mr Rosindell, a shadow minister for foreign affairs, announced on Sunday evening he had joined Nigel Farage’s Reform – as the right-wing party put a deadline of May 7 for defections.
Posting on X on Sunday the ex-Tory MP said: “This evening, with sorrow, I have decided to resign from my position as an Opposition Shadow Minister and as a member of the Conservative & Unionist Party.”
“Since joining the Conservative Party at the age of 14, I have been a loyal and committed supporter of the principles advocated by Margaret Thatcher that have always underpinned my own political beliefs. However, the time has come to put country before party.
“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.”
He added: “Sadly, I now believe that the Conservative Party is irreparably bound to the mistakes of previous governments and unwilling to take meaningful accountability for the poor decisions made over so many issues.
“Moreover, the views and concerns of constituents such as mine in Romford have been consistently ignored for far too long.”
Mr Farage added: “Andrew is a great patriot. The Tories’ lies and hypocrisy over the Chagos Islands betrayal has tipped him over the edge, and we are delighted to welcome him to our ranks. He will be a great addition to our team ahead of the elections on May 7th.”
His defection takes Reform UK to seven MPs in the House of Commons. Just days ago Mr Jenrick joined the party despite previously being called a “fraud” by Mr Farage.
