Former Conservative MP Danny Kruger defected to Reform UK, citing concerns over his party's direction and a belief in Reform as the path to national renewal.

Former Conservative MP Danny Kruger called his defection to Reform UK a “painful” and emotionally difficult decision, despite believing it was necessary for the country’s future. He acknowledged hurting close friends in the Conservative Party, many of whom were silently disappointed, and emphasized his move stemmed from growing concerns about the party’s direction. Kruger, who served as shadow welfare minister under Kemi Badenoch, said he approached Reform leader Nigel Farage, seeing the party as the best hope for national renewal, particularly for those with conservative values. His decision drew criticism from within his former party, including shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride, who called his assessment of the Conservatives’ future “profoundly wrong,” though Kruger noted only a few non-friends publicly challenged him. The shift reflects broader internal divisions within the Conservative Party.