Former Conservative culture secretary Nadine Dorries has announced her defection to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. The longtime Tory MP made the announcement in the Daily Mail, marking a significant political move after more than three decades with the Conservative Party.
Dorries declared that "the only politician who has the answers, the knowledge and the will to deliver is Nigel Farage". She wrote that "the time for action is now" and expressed her belief that Farage represents the leadership Britain needs.
The former minister used stark language to assess her former party's prospects, declaring the Conservative Party "dead". She called for change and to "make Britain great again" in her Daily Mail announcement.
Emotional decision process
The decision proved deeply challenging for Dorries, who described it as "possibly the most difficult I've ever had to make". She revealed the choice had taken her "12 agonising months to reach" after serving the Conservative Party for over 30 years.
Strategic timing
The defection comes just one day before Reform UK's party conference begins. The timing suggests a coordinated effort to maximise the political impact of her switch ahead of the gathering.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
