Former Conservative MP Marco Longhi defects to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party

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Former Conservative MP Marco Longhi has defected to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.

His move is another blow to new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, just weeks after a former Conservative minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns also switched sides.

In a caustic parting shot, Mr Longhi said that “the party of Churchill and Thatcher has transformed into something unrecognisable”.

In a statement announcing his defection, the politician, who served as the MP for Dudley North from 2019 to 2024, said: “Today, I am proud to announce my transition from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, marking a significant step in my commitment to serving the people of our great nation.

“As a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, I have always remained loyal to my principles and values, but above all, my dedication to you—the people—has always driven my political career.

“I stand before you as a patriot, reaffirming that I am now truly at home with Reform UK. My loyalty to party leaders started to overshadow my loyalty to you, the people. I had to put a stop to this. This decision is about restoring our national identity and prioritizing the needs of our citizens over political correctness and elitist agendas.

“The Conservative Party I once identified with—the party of Churchill and Thatcher—has transformed into something unrecognizable, captured by a left-wing influence that masquerades as conservatism at election time while prioritizing the wishes of an elite few when in power. In recent years it has repeatedly betrayed your trust and Labour have never earned that trust in the first place.

“I refuse to be part of this ‘uniparty drift’ towards an ever more left-wing agenda. If I am fortunate enough to represent people again, I will not shy away from the hard truths and necessary actions. My commitment to the people was evident when I represented Dudley before and it will remain the same if re-elected.

“I have joined the People’s Army, and together, we can make a difference. Let’s seize this opportunity for change! Thank you.”

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