Former Tory Nadine Dorries Defects to Reform UK Boosting Farage's Party

Nadine Dorries, former Conservative Culture Secretary and longtime Tory member, has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, declaring the Conservative Party "dead." After 30 years with the Tories, Dorries described her decision as agonizing and cited Nigel Farage as the only politician with the will and knowledge to deliver change. Farage welcomed her as a "big signing" who brings valuable government experience and celebrity status, boosting Reform UK's profile ahead of its annual conference. The defection is seen as a significant coup for Reform UK amid its rise in polls and ambitions for the next General Election. Dorries’ move has drawn criticism from Labour and surprise from some Conservatives, although some Tory figures expressed personal respect for her despite her departure. This shift highlights increasing fractures within the Conservative Party as Reform UK gains momentum under Farage's leadership.