Reform UK is criticized for attracting former Conservative ministers who are considered disgraced, with another ex-Tory MP recently joining the party. Suella Braverman, a former Home Secretary, is the latest addition to Reform UK, increasing the count of sitting MPs in Nigel Farage’s party to eight. This move follows Nadhim Zahawi’s switch to Reform earlier in January, along with several other high-profile Conservatives.
Robert Jenrick, a serving MP, announced his defection to Reform UK shortly after being sacked by Kemi Badeoch. This decision came after allegations that he was planning to defect, leading to his expulsion from the Tory party. Andrea Jenkyns, who now serves as one of Reform’s mayors, and former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries are among those who have also left the Tories in favor of Reform.
Critics have labeled Reform UK as a “retirement home” for former disgraced Conservative ministers, with multiple prominent figures defecting to the party. Suella Braverman’s move to Reform on January 26, 2026, was not unexpected given her controversial stances on various issues. She has been known for her contentious remarks on homelessness, migrants, and other topics.
Similarly, Robert Jenrick’s defection to Reform UK in January 2026 highlighted his discontent with the current state of the Conservative party. He expressed concerns about issues such as illegal migration and the overall condition of the country. The defection occurred following his ousting by Kemi Badenoch over suspected plans to defect.
In a series of defections, various former Tory members, including Nadhim Zahawi, have transitioned to Reform UK. Zahawi, a former Chancellor, faced scrutiny over tax affairs, leading to his dismissal from the Conservative party. His move to Reform was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a significant shift in political allegiances.
The trend of defections to Reform UK continued with Andrew Rosindell, Lee Anderson, and others leaving the Conservative party for various reasons. The influx of former Tory members into Reform has raised concerns within the political landscape, with implications for the future dynamics of UK politics.