Former Conservative Party chair Jake Berry has joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, becoming the fourth high-profile Tory to make the switch in two weeks. Berry, who lost his Lancashire seat of Rossendale and Darwen in the 2024 general election, criticized the Conservative Party in an article in The Sun, blaming both Labour and previous Tory governments for the country's problems. He highlighted issues with the UK’s tax and benefits systems, claiming they discourage ambition and lack control over immigration.
Berry’s move follows similar defections by ex-Welsh secretary David Jones, Anne Marie Morris, and Ross Thomson. Despite having only four MPs, Reform UK is polling ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives. The party recently lost an MP, James McMurdock, who suspended himself amid an investigation into £70,000 in pandemic-related government loans. Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed his commitment to pursuing fraudulent Covid loan claims during a session of Prime Minister's Questions.
The defection of a mid-career politician like Berry, who had prospects within the Conservative ranks, underscores a broader trend of party members and activists migrating to Reform UK. This reflects shifting perceptions of party viability and strength. Although the Conservatives continue to lead in donations, which helps maintain party infrastructure, their dwindling relevance in opinion polls and inability to attract or retain rising politicians may forecast long-term decline.
Berry’s decision illustrates internal unrest and waning confidence in the Conservative party's direction, pointing to a deepening crisis within its ranks. The party's challenges are further highlighted by the recent loss of an MP amid a government loan investigation and the rise of Reform UK in public opinion.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Conservative Party faces significant challenges in retaining its members and addressing internal divisions. The emergence of Reform UK as a viable alternative reflects the changing dynamics of British politics and the need for established parties to reassess their strategies and policies.
