Badenoch warns more conservatives could defect to reform

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has admitted that further defections to Reform UK are likely, following a series of high-profile losses to Nigel Farage’s party.

On Monday, Danny Kruger, the MP for East Wiltshire and former shadow welfare minister, became the first sitting Tory frontbencher to switch to Reform, describing it as the new torch of conservatism.

Less than 24 hours later, Maria Caulfield, a former health minister who lost her Lewes seat at last year’s general election, also announced her defection.

Speaking to the media, Mrs Badenoch said defections were inevitable after the Conservatives historic defeat in  2024. “Every leader regrets losing people to another party.There will be people who leave because they don’t like the new policies of living within our means, cutting welfare, getting people back to work. We are going to see that.”

Mrs Badenoch added that some colleagues were being impatient and chasing short-term gains: “I’m sorry if they’re not willing to wait, but what I’m doing is going to work in the long term.”

Ms Caulfield, who revealed she had joined Reform a month ago after her husband signed up, said the Conservatives were finished. “If you are Conservative right-minded, then the future is Reform,” she said

“The same people who thought Brexit would not happen think Reform will not happen. They are in for a shock.”

The defections follow those of Nadine Dorries and other high-profile Conservatives earlier this month, underlining the pressure Mrs Badenoch faces in holding her party together.

Shadow chancellor, Sir Mel Stride rejected Mr Kruger’s claim that the Conservatives were over, insisting the party could recover before the next election in four years. “We had a devastating defeat and lost trust with the electorate, but it will take time to rebuild,” he said. “We need to hold our nerve.”

Read also: Kemi Badenoch’s inspiring journey to Conservative leader