Andrew Rosindell has made headlines by becoming the second Conservative Member of Parliament to switch allegiance to Reform UK within a week. This move deals another blow to the Conservative party, particularly affecting Kemi Badenoch, who recently had to dismiss Robert Jenrick upon learning of his intended defection. Rosindell, who served as a shadow minister for foreign affairs, announced his decision to join Nigel Farage’s Reform party on Sunday, setting a defection deadline for May 7.
Labour party chair Anna Turley criticized the shift, accusing Reform UK of trying to cover up the failures of the faltering Conservative Party. She highlighted the Tories’ track record on public services and Nigel Farage’s attempt to whitewash their past performance. Turley emphasized that the public remains skeptical, as the Tories’ governance left much to be desired, and Reform UK seems poised to follow the same path.
In a statement posted on Sunday, Rosindell expressed his resignation from his role as an Opposition Shadow Minister and his departure from the Conservative & Unionist Party. Despite being a devoted supporter of Margaret Thatcher’s principles since joining the Conservative Party at 14, he emphasized the need to prioritize the country’s interests over party loyalty. Rosindell cited the Conservative Party’s failure to address issues like Chagossian self-determination and protect British sovereignty as key reasons for his departure.
He further elaborated that he believes the Conservative Party is too entrenched in the errors of past administrations and lacks accountability for its actions. Rosindell also noted the neglect of constituents’ concerns in Romford, stating they have been disregarded for an extended period.
Nigel Farage praised Rosindell’s decision, describing him as a patriotic figure who was swayed by the Conservative Party’s handling of the Chagos Islands situation. Embracing Rosindell into Reform UK’s ranks, Farage welcomed him as a valuable addition ahead of the upcoming elections on May 7.
Rosindell’s defection brings Reform UK’s representation in the House of Commons to seven MPs, with the recent addition of Robert Jenrick to the party despite previous criticism from Farage.