Reform UK has confirmed that television personality and businessman Thomas Skinner has officially joined the party, marking another high-profile defection to Nigel Farage's political movement. The announcement was made today following social media posts showing Skinner posing with the party leader.
Social Media Announcement and Political Endorsement
The 34-year-old star, known for appearances on both Strictly Come Dancing and The Apprentice, shared images with Farage captioned simply: 'Bosh!' Skinner responded in the comments with: 'Good to see ya Nigel. Bosh.' A Reform party spokesperson has since verified Skinner's membership, confirming his transition into the party's ranks.
In recent weeks, Skinner has been vocal about his political views, particularly criticising Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. He stated that Starmer has 'made some terrible decisions' and expressed belief that the Labour leader is 'well out of his depth' in his current role.
Radio Interview Revelations
During a radio interview, Skinner elaborated on his political philosophy, explaining his support for Reform UK. 'The people that are running this country aren't people who know what it's like not to have the rent money at the end of the month,' he remarked. 'They don't know how to run a business. They don't know how to talk to people.'
Skinner specifically addressed concerns about Farage being labelled a career politician, defending the Reform leader by stating: 'He's better than Labour, and there is no other choice at the moment, is there?' He also commented on Conservative figure Kemi Badenoch, suggesting she too is 'well out of her depth' in her political responsibilities.
Wider Context of Political Defections
Skinner represents the latest in a series of significant defections to Reform UK, following a pattern that has seen multiple Conservative MPs cross the floor. Last week alone witnessed three Conservative MPs joining Farage's party, dealing substantial blows to opposition leader Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet.
Among these defectors was Andrew Rosindell, who had served as MP for Romford for nearly twenty-five years and held the position of Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs. Rosindell cited the Conservative Party's stance on the Chagos Islands as a primary reason for his departure, having been a Tory member since adolescence.
Leadership Responses and Political Fallout
Farage welcomed Rosindell's defection, describing him as 'a great patriot' and suggesting that 'the Tories' lies and hypocrisy over the Chagos Islands betrayal has tipped him over the edge.' The Reform leader expressed confidence that Rosindell would strengthen their team ahead of upcoming elections scheduled for May 7th.
These developments occurred just two days after Badenoch publicly declared she was '100 per cent confident' that no further shadow cabinet members would defect to Reform UK. Following the defections, Badenoch claimed her party emerged 'stronger and more united' after dismissing leadership rival Robert Jenrick upon discovering his planned defection.
Despite growing calls for cooperation between Reform UK and the Conservatives to present a united front against Labour in the next general election, Badenoch has firmly rejected any potential deal with Farage's party. This stance persists even as Reform UK established a May deadline for further defections, though some critics argue the party risks being perceived as merely a repository for former Tories rather than a genuinely radical new political movement.
