In a significant blow to the Conservative Party, Andrew Rosindell, the MP for Romford, has defected to Reform UK. This marks the second such departure from the Tory benches in just one week, following the move by Robert Jenrick on Thursday.
A Lifelong Conservative Changes Allegiance
Mr Rosindell, who has represented Romford since 2001, announced his resignation from both the Conservative Party and his role as a shadow foreign office minister on Kemi Badenoch's frontbench. He revealed that he had held discussions with Reform leader Nigel Farage on Sunday evening, culminating in his decision to switch parties.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the long-serving MP explained his dramatic move. He stated that his political beliefs had always been underpinned by the principles of Margaret Thatcher, which he had supported since joining the Conservatives as a teenager. However, he declared that "the time has come to put country before party."
He pointed to a specific policy failure as his breaking point, stating: "The failure of the Conservative Party both when in government and more recently in opposition to actively hold the government to account on the issue of Chagossian self-determination and the defence of British sovereignty, represents a clear red line for me."
Reaction and Recrimination from Westminster
The defection has sparked a fierce reaction from within Conservative circles. A party source claimed that Mr Rosindell had been threatening to defect for months but had denied any such plans as recently as Saturday. The source framed the move as part of a pattern, suggesting Nigel Farage was doing Kemi Badenoch's "spring cleaning," a reference to her comments after Jenrick's departure last week.
"The Conservative Party supported Rosindell throughout his many troubles, and he’s responded by stabbing his friends, colleagues and activists in the back. Reform are welcome to him," the source added.
In his defence, Mr Rosindell argued that the Tories were "irreparably bound to the mistakes of previous governments and unwilling to take meaningful accountability for the poor decisions" they had made. He expressed his conviction that Reform UK is now "the only political movement that is genuinely willing to fight for the best interests of the United Kingdom."
Strategic Moves Ahead of May Elections
This defection is strategically timed, with Reform UK setting a deadline of May 7th for admitting current and former MPs, as well as local councillors wishing to defect. This date coincides with crucial local elections where the party hopes to make substantial gains.
Welcoming his new recruit, Nigel Farage said: "Andrew is a great patriot. The Tories’ lies and hypocrisy over the Chagos Islands betrayal has tipped him over the edge, and we are delighted to welcome him to our ranks. He will be a great addition to our team ahead of the elections on May 7th."
The move increases Reform's parliamentary representation to seven MPs, building momentum for their campaign. However, Kemi Badenoch had recently expressed "100% confidence" that no more of her shadow cabinet would leave for Reform. When questioned about further defections before the May deadline, she suggested people should wonder why Reform had set such a cut-off point, hinting they might be worried about a lack of further recruits.
Opposition parties were quick to criticise the development. Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley stated: "The stench of a failed and dying Tory party now engulfs Reform. The Conservatives left public services on their knees, and Nigel Farage is now unconditionally trying to rehabilitate their disastrous record." The Liberal Democrats dismissed the defection as "a change of rosette for a career politician worried about getting a P45," rather than a political earthquake.
