Former Conservative Party chairman Sir Jake Berry has formally announced his defection to Reform UK, marking a significant shift in allegiance by a prominent figure once at the heart of the Tory establishment.
Berry, who did not contest his Rossendale and Darwen seat in last year’s general election, had previously served under three prime ministers — Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May.
His move makes him the second former Conservative cabinet minister to join Reform UK in a week, following the defection of ex-Wales Secretary David Jones.
In a statement released Tuesday, Berry reflected on his 25-year association with the Conservative Party, stating: “I have called myself a Conservative for a quarter of a century.”
“But let’s not kid ourselves,” he continued. Britain is broken. It didn’t start with Labour. The Conservative governments I was part of share the blame.”
Berry sharply criticised both major parties, suggesting the state of the nation had worsened under successive administrations.
“If you were deliberately trying to wreck the country, you’d be hard-pressed to do a better job than the last two decades of Labour and Tory rule,” he said.
The former party chair aimed at the current tax system and welfare policies, arguing they have created economic stagnation and social discontent.
He said his decision to resign from the Conservative Party and back Reform UK stemmed from a desire to see “a country people can be proud of again.”
“The only way we get that is with Reform in government,” he added.
Berry voiced strong support for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, suggesting he was the only national figure offering consistent principles.
“With Nigel Farage leading Reform, we’ve got someone the country can trust,” he said. “He doesn’t change his views to fit the mood of the day — and people respect that. So do I.”
“That’s why I believe he should be our next prime minister,” Berry declared.
“A very brave decision by Jake Berry to join Reform UK,” Farage posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“His admission that the Conservative government he was part of broke the country is unprecedented and principled.”
Berry’s defection underscores a growing rift within the right of British politics, as the Conservatives struggle with internal divisions and electoral setbacks following their 2024 defeat.
Reform UK, buoyed by Farage’s return to frontline politics, has seen a sharp rise in public support and aims to consolidate disillusioned Tory voters.
Analysts note that Berry’s stature as a former party chair gives Reform added credibility as it seeks to broaden its base beyond single-issue politics.
The Conservative Party has not yet formally responded to Berry’s departure.
Editing by M10News Politics Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
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