Reform Sets Up Tory Defections Unit

Right wing party Reform UK has set up a new unit focused on handling potential defections to its ranks as it tries to lure disgruntled Conservative party MPs and councillors. 

The unit, described as a "defections management team", has taken the lead on discussions with Conservative MPs and councillors who have expressed an interest in switching allegiances ahead of May's local elections, and the general election that is expected to take place later in the year.

Richard Tice, the party's leader, said earlier this month Reform had been speaking to "quite a lot" of Tory politicians at local and national level about joining his party. Reform is expected to confirm a number of council leader defections in the coming weeks, PoliticsHome understands. Tice also claimed "a lot of very disappointed and disgruntled" former cash donors to the Conservative party were getting in touch with him to ask "How can I help?".

The unit is described as being "more pastoral than it is political", advising potential defectors on considerations like the impact it could have on their friendships with people in the world of Conservative party politics, as well as how joining Reform might affect their families. 

The role Reform could play at the next general election has become a major talking point in Westminster in recent weeks, with opinion polls published since late last year indicating growing support for the party. Reform's surge seems to have largely come at the expense of support for the Conservatives, fuelling Tory concern that Tice's party could split the right wing vote and help Labour achieve an even bigger majority when the country next goes to the polls.

Reform has sought in particular to challenge the Conservatives on the issue of