Andrew Rosindell has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, making him the second Conservative MP to do so in just a week. This move comes as a setback for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who recently had to dismiss Robert Jenrick upon learning of his intention to defect. Rosindell, who served as a shadow minister for foreign affairs, announced his decision to join Nigel Farage’s Reform party on Sunday, setting a deadline of May 7 for defections.
In response to Rosindell’s move, Labour party chair Anna Turley criticized the Tories, stating that Reform UK’s attempt to revive the Conservative’s record of failure would not deceive the public. Rosindell, in a statement posted on Sunday, expressed his resignation from the Conservative Party, citing his decision to prioritize the country over party loyalty. He highlighted the Conservative Party’s failure to address issues such as Chagossian self-determination and British sovereignty as reasons for his departure.
Farage welcomed Rosindell to Reform UK, praising his patriotism and criticizing the Conservative Party’s handling of the Chagos Islands issue. Rosindell’s defection brings the total number of Reform UK MPs in the House of Commons to seven, following Jenrick’s recent switch to the party. Despite previous criticism from Farage, Jenrick’s decision to join Reform UK further boosts the party’s presence in parliament.
