MP declares ‘Conservatives are over’ and defects to Reform UK

• Danny Kruger, the sitting Conservative MP for East Wiltshire, has defected to Reform UK, marking the first time a current Tory MP has joined the party.
• Mr Kruger will lead Reform UK's preparations for government, a move that increases their parliamentary representation to five MPs.
• He justified his defection by citing a 'crisis in the economy, crisis at the border, crisis in our streets and a crisis in our military', asserting that Britain is “badly damaged”.
• The defection is considered a significant blow to Kemi Badenoch's leadership within the Conservative party and has prompted speculation about further potential defections.
• Mr Kruger, known for his conservative views and as the son of Prue Leith, had previously been involved in efforts to counter Reform within the Conservative party.

IN FULL

Nigel Farage wins first sitting Tory MP defector as Danny Kruger joins Reform