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Tory Donor Defects to Reform UK Amid Discontent

10/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mark Gallagher, a Tory donor, defected to Reform UK on the opening day of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, citing dissatisfaction with the party's direction.
He donated £2,000 to Kemi Badenoch's leadership campaign but says Badenoch ignored him after offering support.
A Reform UK source cited Gallagher's long-standing friendship with Nigel Farage and his disenchantment with the Conservatives.

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Story summary

Mark Gallagher, a Tory donor, defected to Reform UK on the opening day of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, citing dissatisfaction with the party's direction.
He donated £2,000 to Kemi Badenoch's leadership campaign but says Badenoch ignored him after offering support.
A Reform UK source cited Gallagher's long-standing friendship with Nigel Farage and his disenchantment with the Conservatives.