Reform UK has secured its second Conservative defection in a week after Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrew Rosindell abandoned the party he joined at the age of 14.
The Romford MP, who previously served as Shadow Minister for Home Affairs between 2007 and 2010, follows Robert Jenrick in crossing the floor to Nigel Farage’s party. Jenrick defected on Thursday.
According to Mr Farage, the Conservative Party’s stance on the Chagos Islands proved the decisive factor in Mr Rosindell’s departure. The Reform UK leader described his new recruit as “a great patriot” whilst condemning what he termed the Tories’ “lies and hypocrisy” over the issue.
“The Tories’ lies and hypocrisy over the Chagos Islands betrayal has tipped him over the edge, and we are delighted to welcome him to our ranks,” Mr Farage said. “He will be a great addition to our team ahead of the elections on May 7th.”
The defections represent a significant blow to the Conservative Party ahead of elections scheduled for 7th May. Mr Rosindell’s decision to leave is particularly notable given his decades-long association with the party, having joined as a teenager.
The double defection hands Reform UK additional parliamentary experience at a crucial moment, with both MPs bringing frontbench credentials to Mr Farage’s operation. Mr Rosindell held shadow ministerial responsibilities during the final years of the last Labour government.
