Kemi Badenoch has told Conservative MPs who are thinking of defecting to Reform UK that they should leave the party.
In a letter to Conservative backbenchers, the party leader said MPs were “free to make other choices” if they could not support the direction she was taking. Her message is being seen as a clear warning to those considering joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
The comments follow the defection of Robert Jenrick, the former shadow justice secretary, whom Badenoch sacked after she said there was strong evidence he planned to leave. Andrew Rosindell, another former shadow minister and ally of Mr Jenrick, joined Reform three days later.
Badenoch said the party must stay focused on holding the government to account and preparing a plan for the country. She warned that internal plotting and attempts to damage the party would not be accepted.
She emphasised that the defections were not about policy or ideology, stating that the Conservatives were not shifting to the Left. Instead, she said, the issue was about character.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage said more defections could be coming and mocked Mrs Badenoch for calling a meeting of Conservative MPs. He has told potential defectors they must decide before the May 7 local elections.
Farage also claimed a well-known former Labour MP may soon join Reform, saying the party is moving fast and will not wait for undecided MPs.
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