Tory MP Danny Kruger defects to Reform UK

Summary

The Financial Times reports that Tory MP Danny Kruger has left the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK. The move is a notable defection from the governing party to a rising right-wing challenger, and is likely to add momentum to Reform UK’s media profile and political narrative ahead of the next general election.

The FT frames the defection as part of growing strains on the Conservative parliamentary party and reflects wider voter volatility on the right of British politics. Reactions from both parties are expected to follow, with political commentators watching for any wider ripple effects among MPs and the electorate.

Key Points

Danny Kruger has resigned the Conservative whip and formally joined Reform UK, according to the FT.
The defection gives Reform UK a headline-grabbing boost and is symbolic of tensions on the right of UK politics.
The move is an embarrassment for the Conservatives and highlights internal divisions at a sensitive time before the next election.
Kruger’s switch will be used by Reform UK to argue it is a credible vehicle for disaffected Conservative voters and MPs.
Political analysts will be watching for further defections or shifts in voter support as a result of this announcement.

Why should I read this?

Quick and dirty: a sitting Tory MP has jumped ship to Reform UK — that’s not everyday background noise. If you care about who’s shaping the Conservative vote, the chances of a fragmented right or surprise election swings, this is worth a two-minute skim. It’s the kind of development that can change headlines and campaign narratives fast.

Context and relevance

This defection sits within a broader trend of turbulence on the British right: the emergence of Reform UK as a disruptive force, questions over Conservative unity and leadership, and heightened voter volatility. For campaign strategists, journalists and anyone tracking the UK general election prospects, the switch is an indicator of the challenges the Conservatives face in holding a cohesive parliamentary party and retaining centre-right support.

Even if this single defection does not alter parliamentary arithmetic materially, it matters politically. It feeds media coverage, can shift public perceptions, and may encourage further realignments if other MPs or voters sense momentum shifting away from the Conservatives.