As ex-Tory MPs warn a defection deluge could see more former Conservatives join Reform UK ranks, GB News has tracked those who have already jumped ship.
Nigel Farage has welcomed 11 ex-Tory MPs so far, with others expected to be knocking on Reform UK's door after CCHQ tightened selection rules to end preferential treatment for former parliamentarians.
Despite many Tories fearing a defection deluge could soon follow, Reform UK is adamant it will only accept ex-MPs who can offer something to Mr Farage.
"Reform has no room for deadbeat, failed Tories," a senior Reform UK source told GB News. "They ruined the country. Reform is the future."
While Reform UK does appear to have ruled out ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss joining Mr Farage's party, the Clacton MP set out how former Tory MPs could cross the floor.
Speaking last month after the defection of Tory Senedd Member Laura Anne Jones, Mr Farage said: "If people are coming to Reform because they see it, simply, as the best life raft for their political careers, then I'm not interested.
"But if they're coming to Reform because they really believe in what we're trying to do, they really believe that our country is in deep and desperate trouble, and it needs to be turned around, and they want to be part of that project, and them coming to us adds [to that project], then the door is open."
So, when did these 11 ex-Tory MPs defect to Reform UK and why did they switch from the Conservative Party?
Kemi Badenoch risks losing more former colleagues to Nigel Farage's Reform UK
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Lee Anderson
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson during the Reform UK local election launch rally at the Utilita Arena Birmingham
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Date of defection: March 11, 2024
Age: 58
Seat: Ashfield - 2019 to present
Political high point: Tory Deputy Chairman and Reform UK Chief Whip
"Over the last year or so I've had to do a lot of soul searching on my political journey and I don't expect much in politics other than to be able to speak my mind and speak on behalf oy my friends, family and my constituents."
Lucy Allan
Ex-Tory MP Lucy Allan speaks in the House of Commons
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Date of defection: May 27, 2024
Age: 60
Seat: Telford - 2015 to 2024
Political high point: Lucy Allan demanded an independent inquiry into Telford's grooming gangs scandal in 2016 and spearheaded the Family First Campaign.
"I have resigned from the Conservative Party to support Alan Adams to be Telford’s next MP."
Mark Reckless
Ex-MP Mark Reckless spent time with Nigel Farage as a Ukip MP
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Date of defection: November 8, 2024
Age: 54
Seat: Rochester & Strood - 2010 to 2015
Political high point: Tory defector to Ukip and Brexit Party leader in Wales
Mark Reckless was spotted attending Reform UK's Wales conference in November last year, having first defected to join Nigel Farage during his Ukip days in 2014.
Dame Andrea Jenkyns
Ex-Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns is now Greater Lincolnshire Mayor
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Date of defection: November 28, 2024
Age: 51
Seat: Morley & Outwood - 2015 to 2024
Political high point: Education Minister under Boris Johnson and now Greater Lincolnshire Mayor
“I was elected as a Conservative, and I got knocked out as a Conservative, but I feel, unfortunately, the party has become tired.”
Aidan Burley
Nigel Farage welcomed Aidan Burley to Reform UK in December 2024
|REFORM UK
Date of defection: December 10, 2024
Age: 46
Seat: Cannock Chase - 2010 to 2015
Political high point: Parliamentary Private Secretary to Transport Secretary
"I welcome former Conservative MP Aidan Burley to Reform UK at our Christmas lunch today," Nigel Farage said. "Death by a thousand defections."
Marco Longhi
Marco Longhi joined Reform UK in January 2025
| PADate of defection: January 3, 2025
Age: 58
Seat: Dudley North - 2019 to 2024
Political high point: Common Sense Group member and leading Red Wall MP
"I am a patriot and I finally feel at home."
David Jones
Former Welsh Secretary David Jones switched to Nigel Farage's populist Party on Monday | PADate of defection: January 22, 2025
Age: 73
Seat: Clwyd West
Political high point: Welsh Secretary and Brexit Minister
“Only Reform UK is demonstrating the determination needed to tackle the country’s many problems and to improve the lives of people across Britain."
Ross Thomson
Ross Thomson served as an MSP and MP
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Date of defection: June 24, 2025
Age: 37
Seat: Aberdeen South - 2017 to 2019
Political high point: Vote Leave spokesman for Scotland and Boris Johnson's 2019 leadership campaign manager in Scotland
"It has been the best decision. I feel it’s right for me, I feel at home, and all the local members have been so friendly, welcoming, and supportive."
Anne Marie Morris
Liz Truss with farmer Andrew Gale and Anne Marie Morris (right)
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Date of defection: July 2, 2025
Age: 68
Seat: Newton Abbot - 2010 to 2024
Political high point: Led the UK's first policy review to consider entrepreneurial education for all levels, 'An Education System for an Entrepreneur'
“The country is in a desperate position. I believe now it is Reform UK that offers the vision and leadership Britain so badly needs. I want to play my part in delivering that vision.”
Sir Jake Berry
Sir Jake Berry served as Tory Party chairman and later joined Reform UK
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Date of defection: July 9, 2025
Age: 46
Seat: Rossendale & Darwen - 2010 to 2024
Political high point: Conservative Party Chairman and Northern Powerhouse Minister
"Old Westminster politics has failed. But there's a better way. Millions of people, just like me, want a country they can be proud of again. The only way we get that is with Reform in Government. That’s why I’ve resigned from the Conservative Party."
Adam Holloway
Adam Holloway speaking in the House of Commons
|PARLIAMENT TV
Date of defection: July 30, 2025
Age: 60
Seat: Gravesham - 2005 to 2024
Political high point: Lord Commissioner of the Treasury
"I have joined Reform because I think this is the best chance to recover the country from Labour."