- Former health minister Maria Caulfield has become the latest Conservative politician to defect to Reform UK, marking the 13th ex-Tory to join the party.
- Her defection follows closely after sitting Conservative MP Danny Kruger also joined Nigel Farage’s party, adding to pressure on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
- Ms Caulfield, who served as a Conservative MP for nearly a decade, said that Reform is the future for "Conservative right-minded" individuals.
- Mr Kruger this week highlighted “crises” in the economy, border, streets, and military, urging other Tory MPs to consider joining Reform.
- Shadow chancellor Mel Stride criticised Mr Kruger's analysis, saying that the Conservative Party is not "over" and needs time to rebuild trust with the electorate.
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