Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK Party is gaining support due to notable defections from the Conservative Party. This month, former interior minister Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick switched parties. Reform UK, which focuses on anti-immigration policies, is leading in opinion polls and poses a significant challenge to both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party, which lost the 2024 election after 14 years in power. If Reform UK’s popularity continues, it could change the political landscape that has been dominated by Labour and the Conservatives for a century, especially if they win the next election, expected in 2029.
Braverman, formerly the Home Secretary, joined Reform after criticizing the Conservative Party for deceiving voters on immigration. She has been a strong proponent of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. Jenrick, who came second in the race for Conservative leadership, joined Reform shortly after being dismissed by Kemi Badenoch. He had been the Conservatives’ justice spokesperson and had built a profile on issues like immigration and crime.
Nadhim Zahawi, a former finance minister, also joined Reform after leaving Parliament. He is known for his work on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and co-founded the polling company YouGov. Danny Kruger, who defected in September 2025, was a prominent Conservative figure and a former aide to various prime ministers.
Nadine Dorries, the former culture minister, left the Conservative Party in 2023 and joined Reform, stating her belief in Farage’s leadership. Jake Berry, who lost his Parliamentary seat in 2024, also joined Reform in July 2025, advocating for change in the political system.
With information from Reuters
