Another prominent Conservative Party member has moved to Reform UK, with one-time minister for health Maria Caulfield confirming she joined a month ago.
Further Setback for the Tory Party
Although Caulfield is not currently an MP after being defeated in her former seat to the Lib Dems last year, her defection constitutes a further blow for the governing party, coming just on the heels of a separate move by an incumbent Tory MP.
Several of prominent Tory figures have defected over in recent months, however as of now only one individual remains in elected office.
Her Comments
“When you’re Conservative right-minded, then what lies ahead is Reform UK. Britain is going to transform significantly.”
She added: “The same people thought that leaving the EU would not happen are convinced that the party will not happen. They will receive a surprise.”
The ex-minister shared that she became a member a month ago, noting that her spouse had joined a few months earlier.
“It’s disappointing for the Tories. It became clear that my principles remain, but the party has become less and less what I believe in.”
She emphasized that the party let people down over leaving the EU, particularly on legislation, finances, and immigration. “Authority was reclaimed, but we did not do anything on those fronts.”
Speaking about Reform UK, she stated: “Reform is about transforming how things work – the system won’t shift unless change is pursued.”
Future Plans
Caulfield suggested that there’s a chance she could seek to come back as an MP with Reform, stating: “I’ll observe what unfolds.”
Reform UK’s Position
While the party is cautious of accepting a large number of previous Tories, which might be seen as a retirement home for defeated MPs, Farage’s party is conscious that it is without background in governance.
Ex-government members might bring that expertise.
Other High-Profile Moves
One more sitting Tory MP, formerly acting as an aide to the former PM, in the past day switched to the party and was named as the head of “government readiness”.
“Our former party is done. It has ceased to be a major political entity, and has ended as the leading alternative to the left-wing parties.”
Although leaving the party, the MP was at pains to refrain from disparage the incumbent party head, saying that she had “performed a commendable job in extremely challenging circumstances”.
He added: “On a personal level, I think she’s exhibited real courage and fortitude. So I’m not attack her on a personal level. I think any leader would’ve encountered a difficult period over the past year.”
“However, I differ with the strategy. It’s my belief the leadership ought to have pursued is a far more assertive assertion of core Tory values.”
“But here we are, It’s not merely about abandoning the Tories, I’m truly fully supporting Reform’s figurehead and the party, who I believe have proven over the last year that they have emerged as a legitimate, significant party of opposition.”
