Andrew Rosindell, a veteran Conservative MP and shadow foreign minister known for his right-wing views, has switched allegiance to Reform UK. The Romford representative, elected in 2001, made the announcement Sunday evening, pointing to the party’s handling of the Chagos Islands as the primary trigger for his departure.

Reasons Behind the Switch

Rosindell described Reform UK as “the only political movement that is genuinely willing to fight for the best interests of the United Kingdom.” He highlighted a “clear red line” over the Conservatives’ failure to challenge the government on Chagossian self-determination and British sovereignty, both in power and opposition.

The MP criticized the Tories as “irreparably bound to the mistakes of previous governments and unwilling to take meaningful accountability.” He urged radical action to end “a generation of managed decline” and prioritize British interests.

Conservative Party Reaction

Senior Conservative figures welcomed the move, noting Rosindell had hinted at defection for months. One source remarked that party leader Kemi Badenoch views it as Nigel Farage handling their “spring cleaning.”

“The Conservative Party supported Rosindell throughout his many troubles, and he’s responded by stabbing his friends, colleagues and activists in the back,” the source added. “Reform are welcome to him. We’re not going to be distracted from holding this disastrous Labour government to account.” Another close to leadership called it a shift of responsibility to Farage.

Rosindell’s Political Background

A staunch Brexiteer who opposed gay marriage and expressed “huge admiration” for former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet, Rosindell belonged to the now-defunct Monday Club, an anti-immigration group. He gained one of just two Tory seats against Tony Blair in 2001 and earned the nickname “Mr Romford” for his local ties.

In 2009, he faced the expenses scandal, claiming over £125,000 for a London flat while listing his mother’s nearby childhood home as primary. Police in 2024 ended a rape and sexual assault probe, citing insufficient evidence for prosecution.

Context of Recent Tory Exits

This follows Robert Jenrick’s defection four days prior, after his sacking from the front bench. Jenrick accused Conservatives of betraying voters, denying their 2024 election failures, and failing to reform under Badenoch. He praised Reform UK and Farage as the solution.

Farage recently stressed Reform is “not a rescue charity for every panicky Tory MP,” requiring defectors to admit past government errors “broke the country.” Rosindell reportedly considered the move last autumn, despite ties to his Thatcher-named headquarters.

Party insiders placed Rosindell on a defection watch list post-Jenrick, with speculation now on Suella Braverman. Badenoch downplayed further exits, claiming Jenrick’s supporters had rallied to her.

Labour’s Response

Labour Party chair Anna Turley labeled it the “stench of a failed and dying Tory Party now engulfs Reform.” She accused Conservatives of crippling public services, with Farage seeking to revive their record. “The public won’t be fooled: the Tories failed Britain and Reform want to do it all over again,” Turley stated.