Three former Conservative frontbench ministers are reportedly considering defecting to Reform UK, as frustration mounts over Kemi Badenoch’s leadership and the party’s failure to define its core values in opposition.
Among the potential defectors is Jonathan Gullis, the former Education Minister who lost his Stoke-on-Trent North seat in the 2024 election. Gullis has suggested his political ideology now aligns more closely with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK than with the Conservative Party under its current leadership.
The revelation comes as the Tories continue to haemorrhage support to Reform UK, which recent polling suggests has overtaken the Conservatives as the public’s perceived main opposition party. The potential defections would represent another significant blow to Badenoch’s troubled leadership, already facing criticism for lacking clear policy direction.
One unnamed former Tory MP said: “There’s a lot of frustration that Kemi hasn’t even defined what conservatism even stands for or means. It’s leading people to wonder if they belong in the Conservative Party.”
The former parliamentarian added that whilst Reform UK has “details to work out,” at least there’s “a much clearer definition of the country they want to see.
Identity Crisis Deepens
The criticism centres on Badenoch’s perceived failure to articulate a coherent Conservative vision nine months into her leadership. Despite her reputation as a culture warrior who rose to prominence attacking “woke” politics, critics argue she has become constrained by the demands of opposition leadership.
“I don’t feel that the Conservative Party is currently my home. I’ve got more in common with Reform than I have with Conservatives at the moment,” the second unnamed former MP revealed.
A third ex-Conservative MP confirmed holding informal discussions with Reform UK members, though they emphasised their lifelong commitment to Conservative principles. “In future, if I stand again as a candidate, I don’t know. I’m a lifelong Conservative and I want a genuinely Conservative Government,” they stated.
The potential defections follow a pattern of high-profile departures, including former Conservative Chairman Jake Berry and ex-Welsh Secretary David Jones, both of whom joined Reform UK in recent weeks.
Gullis Criticises Leadership
Jonathan Gullis, whilst not confirming his own defection plans, has been increasingly critical of Badenoch’s leadership. Following Berry’s defection, Gullis urged the Conservative leader to “roll up her sleeves and work much harder” to give people hope.
“I’ve been a member for the whole of my adult life of the Conservative Party, and I never felt so despondent about it,” Gullis stated, highlighting the depth of disillusionment among former Conservative MPs.
The former minister for Stoke-on-Trent North, who lost his seat in the 2024 election, has called for clearer messaging about what modern Conservatism represents. His frustration echoes broader concerns that Badenoch’s policy commission approach – a lengthy academic exercise to restore “intellectual credibility” – has left the party directionless whilst Reform UK captures public attention.
Reform’s Rising Appeal
Reform UK’s growing attractiveness to disaffected Conservatives reflects shifting political dynamics. Recent Ipsos polling revealed that 37% of Britons now view Reform as the main opposition party, compared to just 33% for the Conservatives. More strikingly, 39% believe Nigel Farage is likely to become Prime Minister, versus only 25% for Badenoch.
The party’s clear stance on issues like immigration, law and order, and opposition to Net Zero policies contrasts with what critics describe as Badenoch’s policy vacuum. Reform’s success in local elections and by-elections has demonstrated genuine electoral momentum beyond mere polling numbers.
Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf recently confirmed “huge growth in those seeking to defect,” despite no active outreach efforts. The party’s ability to attract established political figures adds credibility to Farage’s ambitions of replacing the Conservatives as Britain’s primary centre-right force.
Conservative Response Inadequate
Badenoch’s response to defections has been notably dismissive. In June, she claimed departures were “probably for the best,” arguing those leaving for Reform “are not conservatives” but people who “want nationalisation and more benefits.
This attitude has further alienated potential defectors who view such comments as evidence of the leadership’s disconnect from grassroots Conservative sentiment. The party’s official line that Reform supports “increasing the benefits bill” and “nationalising British industry” has failed to stem the flow of departures.
A Conservative Party spokesman’s standard response emphasising Reform’s supposed left-wing economic policies rings hollow to MPs who see Reform articulating traditionally Conservative positions more effectively than their own leadership.
Timing and Implications
The timing of these potential defections is particularly damaging. Under Conservative Party rules, Badenoch cannot face a leadership challenge until November, leaving disgruntled MPs with limited options for expressing dissatisfaction through official channels.
For Reform UK, securing three former frontbench ministers would represent a coup, adding parliamentary experience and media profile to their ranks. It would also validate Farage’s strategy of positioning Reform as the natural home for authentic conservatives abandoned by their party.
The defections could trigger a domino effect, with other disillusioned Conservatives following suit. Several factors make defection increasingly attractive: Reform’s polling success, clear policy positions, and the perception that the Conservative brand may be irreparably damaged after 14 years in power.
Policy Vacuum Criticised
Central to defectors’ complaints is Badenoch’s failure to articulate clear policy positions. Her reliance on lengthy policy commissions overseen by ally Alex Burghart has frustrated those who believe opposition requires immediate, clear alternatives to government proposals.
“It’s a two-year, academic, internally focused exercise,” one election-winning Conservative outside Parliament complained, arguing that Reform’s rise eliminates the luxury of developing policy platforms at leisure.
This criticism is particularly pointed given Badenoch’s previous reputation for bold, controversial stances on cultural issues. Her apparent retreat into procedural politics contradicts the combative image that won her the leadership.
Historical Context
The Conservative Party has weathered defections before, notably during Brexit negotiations when MPs left for the Independent Group. However, the current situation differs significantly – these are not disagreements over specific policies but fundamental questions about Conservative identity and purpose.
The loss of former ministers would be particularly symbolic. Unlike backbench defections, frontbench departures suggest the party’s core is fracturing. It would indicate that even those who served in government question whether the Conservative Party represents their values.
Looking Forward
As the Conservative Party approaches potentially pivotal local elections, these defection threats compound existing challenges. With Reform UK already claiming momentum and Labour’s honeymoon period ending, the Conservatives risk being squeezed from both sides.
The unnamed MPs’ willingness to speak publicly about defection considerations suggests negotiations may be advanced. Reform UK’s proven ability to accommodate high-profile Conservative defectors provides a ready template for integration.
For Badenoch, preventing these defections whilst maintaining her dismissive stance presents a delicate balance. Acknowledging the threat might encourage others to consider their options, whilst continued dismissal risks accelerating departures.
As British politics continues its realignment, these potential defections represent more than individual career decisions. They symbolise deeper questions about what conservatism means in modern Britain and which party best represents those values. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Conservative Party can stem this tide or whether Reform UK’s rise will accelerate through high-profile acquisitions.
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