Three ex-MPs defected to Reform today accusing the Tories of ‘losing trust’ with voters.
Jonathan Gullis, Lia Nici and Chris Green have announced they are joining Nigel Farage‘s insurgents.
They are the latest defections to hit Kemi Badenoch, despite allies hoping that she is starting to turn the tanker after a well-received Budget response and series of effective attacks on Labour.
A Reform party source said: ‘The Conservative Party is dead. Only Reform can beat Labour at the next election as the polls show time and time again.’
In a statement reported by his local paper, Mr Gullis – who represented Stoke-on-Trent North until the last election and is currently mayor of Kidsgrove – said: ‘Today I am pleased to be joining Reform UK. Leaving the Conservative Party after 18 years is not a decision I have taken lightly. Over time, I have watched a party I once believed in lose touch with the people it was meant to serve.
‘From failing to control both legal and illegal migration to pursuing a net zero agenda that has seen a rise in our household energy bills and put jobs in Stoke-on-Trent’s world famous ceramics sector at risk, the Conservative Party has understandably lost the trust of the British people.
‘As a country, we face serious and deep-rooted challenges, and what is required now are bold, radical ideas alongside the determination to deliver them.
‘I believe only Reform UK has the vision and courage needed to restore pride in Britain and deliver real change, putting our country and our communities first.
‘Nigel Farage has shown, consistently over many decades, the courage of his convictions, and it is that strength of leadership which will drive forward the bold and radical reforms our country so urgently needs.’
Mr Green served as Grimsby MP, and Ms Nici represented Bolton West.
