Former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries has announced her defection to Reform UK, dealing another symbolic blow to Rishi Sunak’s government as the general election draws closer.
The outspoken former culture secretary revealed her decision in an interview with the Daily Mail, where she claimed the Conservative Party was “finished” and no longer represented its grassroots.
“The Tory party is dead,” she said. “Its members now need to think the unthinkable and look to the future.”
Her move comes on the eve of Reform UK’s annual conference, where she is expected to deliver the opening speech — an appearance likely to grab headlines and energise the party’s base.
Dorries, who resigned her Commons seat last year after a high-profile dispute with Downing Street over Boris Johnson’s resignation honours, has long been a vocal critic of the current Conservative leadership.
In recent months she has frequently attacked Sunak, accusing him of “betraying” the party’s members and failing to deliver on Brexit promises.
Her defection is expected to heighten tensions inside the Conservative Party, which is already under pressure from Reform UK in opinion polls. Nigel Farage’s party has consistently polled in double digits, threatening to split the right-wing vote.
Reform insiders say Dorries will play a “senior campaigning role,” with one source describing her as a “game-changing asset” who can appeal to traditional Tory voters disillusioned with the government.
The Conservative Party issued a restrained response, saying only: “We wish Nadine well.”
But others reacted with scorn. A former aide to Dorries told reporters: “Good riddance.”
The Liberal Democrats also mocked the announcement. In a pointed statement, they said: “We don’t know who to feel more sorry for, Kemi Badenoch or Nigel Farage.”
The defection comes at a delicate moment for the Conservatives, who are battling internal divisions while trying to hold back Labour’s double-digit lead in the polls.
Some Tory MPs privately admit they fear Reform UK could cost them dozens of marginal seats at the election. Others insist voters will “come home” when faced with the prospect of a Labour government.
For now, Reform UK will hope Dorries’ decision gives them a high-profile boost, while the Conservatives face yet another defection — and more questions about their ability to hold their party together before voters head to the polls.
