Danny Kruger Joins Reform UK in Stunning Tory Defection

Conservative MP Danny Kruger has defected to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK; it is a remarkable moment in British political history. Kruger, MP for East Wiltshire, made this announcement on September 15, declaring the Conservatives “finished” as a national force.

He is now the first sitting Conservative MP to defect to Reform. He will lead Reform’s new unit, “Preparing for Government,” indicating Reform’s ambitions to be more than a protest party.

In announcing his move Kruger said the Conservatives had become “paralysed,” with internal discussions of party unity hiding the absence of serious and bold policy or leadership. Kruger said the Conservative Party had failed voters who now had a desire for stronger alternatives.

Why Reform UK Gains From This Defection

Kruger’s defection strengthens Reform UK at a significant time. With Kruger, the party now has five Members of Parliament which lends more legitimacy and prominence to the party in Westminster.

Party leader Nigel Farage describes the defection as a “historic moment” and welcomed Kruger’s input into any future government strategy. Reform is rising in opinion polls and attracting disillusioned/previous Conservative voters, and Kruger is certainly expected to add to this profile.

Quick Facts: Danny Kruger’s Switch

• From: Conservative Party

• To: Reform UK

• Role: Head of Preparing for Government

• Reform’s strength: 5 MPs after defection

The Pressure on Conservative Leadership

The timing of Kruger’s move is particularly damaging for Kemi Badenoch, and especially with the Conservatives annual conference looming in a few weeks, the topic of stability and direction will be near the top of the agenda.

In stating his reasons for joining Reform, Kruger bluntly declared that whilst conservatism as a philosophy may not be dead, the Conservative Party no longer promotes that philosophy. Kruger argued that the party from the last general election has “drifted” and ultimately failed to deal with the crucial issues facing the country, i.e. public services, immigration and all economic issues.

Comments like that will be familiar to other high-profile Conservatives who have lamented recent exits from the party, including Andrea Jenkyns and Nadine Dorries, who have already laid bare divides, and now Kruger adds some weight to the idea that the Conservative base is shifting. 

What This Means for the Future of UK Politics

Kruger’s defection illustrates something more significant in the political right. Reform UK is positioning itself as the true home for conservative supporters, while the Conservatives are fighting to hold their own.

The establishment of the Preparing for Government unit demonstrates Reform’s seriousness. The party wants to be regarded not just as a debate challenger, but as an option for government. 

For the Conservatives, their challenge will be to hold back further defections while reassuring members and supporters that the party is viable going forward. Polls are already trending downwards and Badenoch is faced with remaking trust and loyalty with MPs.

For Reform, this potential defection could signal the start of a much larger realignment. If other MPs or voters follow Kruger’s lead, things could change quite quickly ahead of the next general election.

🗣️"The Conservative Party is over".

Shadow minister Danny Kruger announces his defection from the Tories to Reform UK. 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/uahevkeOM4

— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 15, 2025

The Bigger Picture

The defection underlines growing discontent on the right and raises new questions about who will shape Britain’s future political direction. What happens next — more defections, stronger polling, or a Conservative fightback — will decide whether Reform becomes a lasting force or a temporary threat.

However, this act of defection, which has to come in response to some growing discontent on the right, has created new questions regarding who is going to shape the political direction of Britain going forward. What is going to happen next? More defections, polling indicating strength of Reform, or will the Conservative party mount a formidable response? That will all affect whether Reform UK remains a political threat or becomes an enduring political force.