In a seismic shock to the Conservative Party's campaign, former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries has publicly urged disillusioned Tory members to "do the right thing" and defect to Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
The ex-Culture Secretary, a key Boris Johnson ally, delivered a stunning rallying cry, effectively endorsing Farage's insurgent party. Her intervention is seen as a devastating blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's attempts to unite the right-wing vote.
A Direct Appeal to the Tory Grassroots
Dorries didn't mince her words, directly appealing to the Conservative grassroots to abandon a party she claims has lost its way. Her call to action signals a deep fracture within the party's traditional base, with many feeling alienated by its current direction.
This move represents a remarkable political realignment for the former loyalist, who served in one of the government's most senior roles until just last year.
Embracing the Farage Factor
Central to Dorries' appeal is her embrace of Nigel Farage, the perennial disruptor of British politics. By aligning herself with the Reform UK leader, she is betting on his ability to harness widespread discontent with the political establishment.
This endorsement could provide Reform UK with crucial credibility among traditional Conservative voters who may have been hesitant about supporting the party.
Implications for Sunak's Conservatives
The timing of this intervention could hardly be worse for the Prime Minister. With a general election looming, the Conservative Party can ill afford to see its vote split on the right flank.
Dorries' defection-in-spirit threatens to accelerate an exodus of voters who feel the Tories have failed to deliver on key promises, particularly around immigration and Brexit.
Westminster insiders are viewing this as one of the most significant political moments in the current election cycle, potentially reshaping the battle for the right-of-centre vote in British politics.
