One more prominent Conservative figure has defected to Reform UK, with former minister for health Maria Caulfield revealing she signed up four weeks back.
New Challenge for the Conservative Leadership
While Caulfield is not currently an MP after losing her Lewes constituency to the opposition party last year, her decision marks an additional setback for the governing party, coming just a day after another defection by a sitting Tory MP.
A number of high-ranking Conservatives have moved over in recent times, though as of now only one remains in elected office.
Caulfield’s Remarks
“If you are leaning conservative, then the future is Reform UK. The nation is going to undergo major shifts.”
The former MP stated: “Those who believed that leaving the EU would not happen believe that Reform will not happen. They should expect a reality check.”
She confirmed that she became a member recently, adding that her husband had joined several months earlier.
“I feel regret for the party. It became clear that I have not changed, but the party has become less and less reflective of my beliefs.”
She emphasized that they failed the public over Brexit, particularly on laws, spending, and borders. “Authority was reclaimed, but we didn’t actually act regarding it.”
Regarding Reform, she remarked: “Reform is about transforming how things work – things won’t improve unless a new approach is taken.”
Future Plans
She indicated that it was possible she could attempt to re-enter as an MP representing the party, stating: “I’ll observe what unfolds.”
Reform’s Strategy
Although Reform is cautious of welcoming too many former Tories, as it could be portrayed as a dumping ground for ousted MPs, Farage’s party is aware that it is without experience in running the country.
Experienced politicians could offer that expertise.
Recent Defections
A separate incumbent Tory MP, once working as an aide to Boris Johnson, recently switched to Reform and was named as the leader of “government readiness”.
“The Conservative party is finished. No longer a country-wide force, and no longer the principal opposition to the left-wing parties.”
Even while switching sides, the representative made an effort to avoid disparage the sitting Tory leader, remarking that she had “carried out a impressive job in very difficult circumstances”.
He went on: “From an individual perspective, I think she’s shown genuine bravery and resilience. I won’t attack her personally. In my opinion anyone leading would have had a challenge over the past year.”
“I do disagree with the strategy. It’s my belief what she needed to implement is a significantly assertive assertion of Conservative principles.”
“Yet now we are here, I’m not only leaving the Conservatives, in fact, I’m fully supporting Reform’s figurehead and the party, who I think have proven over the last year that they have emerged as a credible, substantial party of opposition.”
