In a dramatic political development, Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell has abandoned the Tory party to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The defection was announced by the right-wing party on Saturday, 18th January 2026, dealing a fresh and significant blow to the Conservative leadership under Kemi Badenoch.
A Second Defection in Days
This move comes just days after former Conservative MP Robert Jenrick also switched allegiance to Reform UK. It is understood that Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had pre-emptively sacked Jenrick after learning of his planned defection. The back-to-back departures signal a deepening crisis within the Tory ranks as the country moves closer to a general election.
Andrew Rosindell, who served as the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, is a notable figure on the party's right wing. His decision to leave represents a substantial loss of parliamentary experience and underscores the growing appeal of Reform UK among disaffected Conservative voters and politicians.
Farage Hails a 'Great Patriot'
Nigel Farage, the figurehead of Reform UK, warmly welcomed Rosindell to the party. In a statement, Farage cited a specific policy grievance as the final catalyst for the MP's decision. "Andrew is a great patriot," Farage said. "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."
Farage emphasised the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, "He will be a great addition to our team ahead of the elections on May 7th." This reference pinpoints the looming electoral battle, framing Rosindell's defection as a key tactical gain in the run-up to the national poll.
Implications for a Fractured Right
The loss of a sitting MP to a rival party on the right is a severe embarrassment for Kemi Badenoch's leadership. It exposes ongoing fractures within the Conservative coalition and threatens to split the right-of-centre vote in the forthcoming election. The defections of both Jenrick and Rosindell suggest a calculated effort by Reform UK to poach high-profile Tories and present itself as the true home for staunch conservative and nationalist voters.
With the general election set for 7th May 2026, the political landscape is becoming increasingly volatile. This latest defection will intensify scrutiny on Badenoch's ability to hold her party together and mount an effective campaign against both Labour and the surging challenge from Reform UK.
