Andrea Jenkyns Joins Reform UK, Runs for Mayor

Former Conservative minister Andrea Jenkyns has defected to Reform UK, declaring herself the party's 100,000th member and announcing her candidacy for mayor of Lincolnshire. At a press conference, she criticized the Conservative Party, stating it is a 'sinking ship' and emphasized her alignment with Reform UK as the 'party of the brave.' Jenkyns' decision comes after a tumultuous relationship with Reform earlier this year, which included public disputes with party members like Richard Tice. Despite some negative feedback from former colleagues, she reported mostly positive reactions and hinted at potential further defections from the Conservative ranks. Jenkyns, who gained notoriety by defeating Ed Balls in 2015, expressed her ongoing loyalty to party values over individual political leaders. Her remarks reflect broader concerns about the state of the Conservative Party amidst internal strife and declining support.