Blow for Badenoch as another Tory defector joins Farage’s Reform
Conservative MP Andrew Rosundall followed Robert Jenrick and defected to Reform UK to deal another blow to Kemi Badenoch.
It came just days after the former shadow justice secretary left the Conservative Party to join Nigel Farage’s ranks, launching a blistering attack on his former party.
Mr Rosundall, who was shadow foreign secretary, cited the Conservative Party’s stance on the Chagos Islands as the main reason for his departure.
He said the “clear red line” for him was “the failure of the Conservative Party, both when in government and more recently in opposition, to actively hold the government to account for Chagossian self-determination and the defense of British sovereignty.”
The Romford MP argued that Reform UK was “the only political movement genuinely willing to fight for the interests of the United Kingdom” and claimed that the Conservatives were “irreparably committed to the mistakes of previous governments and unwilling to take meaningful responsibility for the bad decisions they have made”.
He added: “The views and concerns of the majority of the British people must no longer be left aside. Our country has suffered a controlled decline for a generation.”
“Radical action is now required to reverse the damaging decisions of the past and forge a new course for Britain that puts the interests of the British people firmly at the forefront.”
Announcing Mr Rosundall’s departure, Mr Farage said: “Andrew is a great patriot. The Conservatives’ lies and hypocrisy about the Chagos Islands betrayal have brought him to the brink and we are delighted to welcome him into our ranks.”
“He will be a great addition to our team ahead of the elections on May 7.”
Last week, Mr Jenrick refuge UK Reformation after it happened Dramatically expelled from Conservative frontbench and was expelled from the Conservative Party.
The former shadow justice secretary, who launched an extraordinary attack on his former colleagues at a Westminster press conference, said the party had “betrayed its voters and members” and was “in denial or dishonest” about its record.
He said he joined Reform UK because the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch had failed to change after the 2024 election wipeout, arguing the country now needs Nigel Farage.
In the days after Mr Jenrick’s departure, the Conservatives put 11 MPs on a leave watchlist over fears more could follow him to Reform England, a list that also includes Mr Rosunull.
Responding to news of his departure, a senior Tory source said: Independent: “Welcome Nigel. In his 25 years in parliament Rosundall never troubled the strikers.”
People within the party now believe that former interior minister Suella Braverman can take a step towards the transition to Reform.
This is breaking news. More to follow…
