Who are the other Conservative MPs that have defected to Reform UK recently?

Recent defectors include Robert Jenrick (January 15, 2026), Nadhim Zahawi (early January 2026), Andrew Rosindell, Lee Anderson (March 2024), Danny Kruger, and Nadine Dorries.

What reasons did Suella Braverman give for defecting to Reform UK?

Braverman cited out-of-control immigration, failing public services, lack of safety, Conservative Party failures on policy like leaving the ECHR, and lack of courage in decision-making.

How has the Conservative Party responded to Braverman's defection?

The Conservatives stated it was 'a matter of when, not if,' referenced supporting her mental health (later called a draft error), and noted voters rejected Reform in her constituency.

What is Nigel Farage's stance on further Conservative defections to Reform UK?

Farage said he had been speaking with Braverman for over a year and Reform will consider taking more former Conservative figures.

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1M ago

Suella Braverman Defects to Reform UK, Boosting Farage's MPs

Braverman resigned the Conservative whip and raised Reform's Commons tally to eight MPs, Reform officials said.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman resigned the Conservative whip and joined Reform UK at a London rally unveiled by Nigel Farage, raising Reform's Commons tally to eight MPs, Reform officials said.

Her defection follows Robert Jenrick's Jan. 15 departure from the Conservatives and Andrew Rosindell's recent switch, developments that analysts say amplify questions about Tory unity ahead of May local elections.

The Conservative Party said Braverman's departure was "a matter of when, not if" and briefly circulated an unsubstantiated claim about her mental health that it later described as a draft error, a party spokesman acknowledged.

Braverman, 45, who has been an MP since 2015 and served as attorney general and as home secretary under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak before being sacked in November 2023, increased Reform's representation to eight MPs in the 650-seat House of Commons, records show.

Nigel Farage told reporters after the London rally he had been speaking with Suella Braverman "for just over a year" and said Reform will consider taking more former Conservative figures, remarks that party strategists say could reshape right‑wing dynamics ahead of May elections.

Written using shared reports from

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Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Center-leaning sources frame the story by emphasizing Braverman's shift to a 'hard-right' Reform UK, highlighting her controversial rhetoric and critics' warnings while noting Reform's rising poll numbers. Editorial choices prioritize descriptions of extremity and social discord over sympathetic context, shaping a narrative of political realignment driven by polarizing immigration-focused messaging.

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Britain's Conservative Party loses another high-profile lawmaker to hard-right Reform

Associated Press•1M ago

FAQ

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: Recent defectors include Robert Jenrick (January 15, 2026), Nadhim Zahawi (early January 2026), Andrew Rosindell, Lee Anderson (March 2024), Danny Kruger, and Nadine Dorries.
Sources:
The Independent
: Braverman cited out-of-control immigration, failing public services, lack of safety, Conservative Party failures on policy like leaving the ECHR, and lack of courage in decision-making.
Sources:
Sky News
: The Conservatives stated it was 'a matter of when, not if,' referenced supporting her mental health (later called a draft error), and noted voters rejected Reform in her constituency.
Sources:
GB News
: Farage said he had been speaking with Braverman for over a year and Reform will consider taking more former Conservative figures.
Sources:
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