Reform UK Halts New Tory Defections, Mayor Andrea Jenkyns Says Party Must Stay True to Its Values

Greater Lincolnshire mayor and former Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns announced that Reform UK will no longer accept additional former Conservative MPs or councillors. Speaking to The i Paper, Jenkyns said the party’s “moratorium” on Tory defections—introduced by leader Nigel Farage after the May local elections—was “right, absolutely.” She emphasized that the party should focus on its core principles rather than expanding its right-wing roster.

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Reform UK attracted a wave of ex-Conservatives following the 2024 general election, including former cabinet ministers Nadhim Zahawi, Nadine Dorries and Robert Jenrick. The influx coincided with internal tensions, notably the suspension of commentator Tim Montgomerie after he criticised home-affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf as “behaving like a child.” The party also faces scrutiny over Farage’s £5 million gift from cryptocurrency businessman Christopher Harborne, which remains under parliamentary standards investigation. Despite these challenges, recent polling shows Reform slipping behind Labour and, in one survey, trailing the Conservatives by a single point.

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Jenkyns defended Zia Yusuf’s prominent role at the upcoming Birmingham conference, describing him as “very popular among members” and expressing “huge respect.” She dismissed reports of deep divisions as a “storm in a teacup” and accused the media of “trying to create a drift.” Regarding the party’s electoral prospects, Jenkyns attributed the recent dip in Reform’s polling to “electoral fatigue” and a public focus on everyday pressures rather than a lasting political shift. She also noted that Farage’s decision to resign his Clacton seat, contest the ensuing by-election, and win with 63.3 % of the vote did little to quell controversy over the Harborne payment.

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Tim Montgomerie, a political commentator, was suspended after publicly accusing Zia Yusuf of childish behaviour and questioning Reform’s internal management. His criticism highlights ongoing disputes over the party’s leadership style and candidate selection.

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• “And I think the most important thing is that we ensure that we are true to our Reform values, which is putting our country and our people first,” — Andrea Jenkyns, Reform UK mayor

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