Labour has hit out at former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries following her defection to Reform UK, calling her the most senior Tory figure to switch allegiances in recent years.
Dorries, who served as culture secretary under Boris Johnson, has described the Conservative Party as “dead” and signalled her intention to play a leading role in Nigel Farage’s party.
In response, a Labour spokesperson said Dorries’ comments underlined the former minister’s own contribution to the decline of the Conservative Party.
The spokesperson highlighted her continued support for Boris Johnson during the controversies surrounding gatherings at Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns.
“Now she has chosen to join Reform UK, a party seeking to disrupt the political system in the same way the Tories have,” the spokesperson said.
Labour also criticised Reform UK’s approach to policy, contrasting Dorries’ previous work on the Online Safety Bill with the party’s stated plan to dismantle such protections.
“From introducing legislation to protect children and adults online to joining a party with no clear replacement plan, Dorries’ political journey illustrates Reform UK’s incoherence,” the spokesperson added.
“They are all anger, no answers, with contradictions emerging day by day,” Labour said, highlighting what it sees as inconsistencies in the new party’s platform.
The statement reflects Labour’s broader concern about the impact of high-profile Tory defections on the stability of Britain’s political landscape.
Labour concluded by warning that such moves risk sowing further confusion among voters already disillusioned with traditional parties.
