Andrew Rosindell, the Conservative MP for Romford since 2001, has defected to Reform UK, becoming the second Tory MP to join Nigel Farage's party in four days. Rosindell announced his decision on X, citing the UK's planned handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as the primary reason.
The veteran MP criticised both Labour and the Conservatives for being 'complicit in the surrender of this sovereign British territory to a foreign power'. He accused the Tories of failing to properly oppose the deal, which was finalised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer but originated under the previous Conservative government.
Rosindell's defection follows that of Robert Jenrick on Thursday, bringing Reform's parliamentary strength to seven MPs. While Rosindell is less prominent than Jenrick, his departure is a further blow to the Conservatives, who have now lost three sitting MPs to Reform since September.
In his statement, Rosindell said he had long advocated for the Chagossians, who were removed from Diego Garcia in 1971. He argued that 'radical action is now required' and that Reform UK is 'the only political movement genuinely willing to fight for the best interests of the United Kingdom'.
A Conservative Party source responded sharply, accusing Rosindell of 'stabbing his friends, colleagues and activists in the back'. Reform leader Nigel Farage welcomed Rosindell as 'a great patriot', adding that 'the Tories' lies and hypocrisy over the Chagos Islands betrayal has tipped him over the edge'.
