David Campbell Bannerman, a former ally of Boris Johnson and ex-Ukip MEP, has announced his departure from the Conservative Party to join Reform UK, expressing disillusionment with the Tories' ability to win or deliver meaningful change. In a statement, he cited a coordinated campaign against Nigel Farage, the murder of Ann Widdecombe, and the rise of Andy Burnham as key factors driving his decision.
Why He Left: Policy Failures and Institutional Corruption
Bannerman argued that the Conservatives need policy revolutions in areas like law and order, defence, welfare, the NHS, net zero, economics, immigration, and governance, rather than mere tinkering. He accused the central party of treating members with arrogance and contempt, noting that powers over choosing MPs are being taken away from members to pursue a left-leaning, globalist agenda. He highlighted the formation of Prosper UK under Davidson and Street as a warning of further drift toward a Lib Dem model.
He co-founded the Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO) with Claire Bullivant, Lord Cruddas, and John Strafford, but said the party was unwilling to put members back in charge. Membership, he claimed, could now be under 100,000, down from two million in the 1950s. “The party is dying because it has driven out its lifeblood – ordinary members – treating them as stupid, ignorant and unworthy of consultation,” he wrote.
Kemi Badenoch and the Party's Direction
Bannerman criticised Kemi Badenoch, saying she comes across as an analyst rather than a leader. He pointed to her comment to Laura Kuenssberg about stopping talking about elections as a tipping point. He noted that decent councillors in Norfolk lost their seats for no fault of their own, and Badenoch dismissed them as a “free hit.” The Aberdeen South win was an aberration, he said, while losing the deposit in Makerfield with just 2% demonstrates irrelevance. He added that the party’s polling is stuck at around 17 points, and Badenoch is conspicuous in not calling for an immediate general election.
The Future of the Conservative Party
Bannerman questioned whether the Conservatives can ever form a national government again, suggesting they are destined to become the new Liberals with a ceiling of 60-70 seats. He noted that politics can change rapidly, citing Burnham’s rise, but the trend and polling relentlessly point to decline. “Those I respect on the centre right of the Conservative Party, with a few noble exceptions, have moved to Reform. The Reform Party is the true Conservative Party now,” he said.
Why Reform UK Is the Answer
Bannerman described Reform as more than an alternate Blue Party – it represents sovereignty, change, and the national interest. He praised Nigel Farage’s courage, tenacity, and political instincts, noting his role in galvanising British politics and inspiring similar movements across Europe. “The Brexit referendum win inspired shy Trump voters to make their vote count. We’d never have got a Referendum without Nigel’s pressure,” he wrote. He also emphasised that Reform has developed strength in depth and a great team, despite being young and still learning.
Bannerman concluded: “I leave the Conservatives with sadness yes, but with surety; and look forward now to helping Nigel and his core team deliver a transformational and revolutionary new government.”
