‘She's perhaps recognised they were wrong’: Reform UK rising star delivers verdict on Nadine Dorries’ switch after controversial move

The Reform UK councillor suggested that political views can evolve over time. "I do think people can change their minds," she said.

Ms Cunningham indicated that Ms Dorries might have reconsidered her position on the legislation. "Perhaps it's the same thing with Nadine. She's recognised that perhaps they were wrong in bringing the Online Safety Act," she explained.

Ms Cunningham drew an unexpected parallel between political defection and personal relationships to explain the phenomenon of party switching.

"I was married for 10 years, very in love, then got divorced," she revealed during her GB News appearance, using her own experience to illustrate how deeply held commitments can change.

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This comparison suggests that leaving a political party after decades of membership involves similar emotional complexity to ending a long-term relationship.

The analogy appears particularly relevant to Ms Dorries' situation, given her three-decade association with the Conservative Party before her dramatic switch to Reform UK.

Ms Cunningham offered her perspective on the wave of Conservative politicians joining Reform UK, attributing the movement to the party's departure from its historical principles.

"The Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher was a radical reformer," she noted. "We haven't seen that for a while, in fact, they've gone against those values. People coming from Reform must recognise that."

She identified her party leader as the catalyst drawing these defectors.

"Nigel Farage is the one with guts to do what it takes," Ms Cunningham stated.

Reform UK Councillor Laila Cunningham defends Nadine Dorries joining Reform UK, despite her role in pushing the Online Safety Bill.

The exodus includes MPs who lost their seats and others who disagreed with Conservative leadership. "Yes, a lot lost their seat, but a lot did not agree with the leadership. I was one of them," she said.

According to Ms Cunningham, these politicians have discovered a political environment where they can express themselves freely. "I imagine a lot of them found a home where they can speak their truth, they found a home."

Sje emphasised the distinct nature of Reform UK's politicians compared to traditional Westminster figures.

"Reform politicians are not career politicians. They've got something else to fall back on and they are only do it because they want what's best for the country," she explained on GB News.

She expressed confidence in the party's recruitment process despite not being directly involved. "I'm not involved in the selection process but I trust those at the top," Ms Cunningham stated.

The common thread among new arrivals appears to be faith in both the party's vision and its leader. "People coming over believe in Reform's message and they believe in Nigel," she concluded.

The former Culture Secretary's announcement came yesterday, just one day before Reform UK's annual conference began in Birmingham.

Ms Dorries, who spent 18 years as a Conservative MP before resigning in 2023, spoke during Mr Farage's opening speech at the gathering.

Her decision followed months of confidential discussions with Mr Farage, including meetings at the exclusive 5 Hertford Street club in Mayfair.

The 68-year-old former minister declared: "The Tory Party is dead. Its members now need to think the unthinkable and look to the future."

Mr Farage welcomed the high-profile addition to his party, calling her "a hugely successful politician, author and columnist" who would provide "a great boost to our campaign to win the next General Election."