how many conservatives have defected to reform

Several Conservative politicians in the UK have defected to Reform UK in recent months, amid growing dissatisfaction with the party's direction under Kemi Badenoch, but no precise total exists publicly as of January 2026. High- profile cases include sitting MP Danny Kruger, who switched in September 2025, criticizing the Conservatives as a "toxic brand". Former ministers like Robert Jenrick (expelled after plotting to defect), Nadhim Zahawi, and Jonathan Gullis have also joined, alongside at least 20-39 local councillors reported in various waves.

Key MP Defections

These shifts signal Reform UK's rise, led by Nigel Farage, as it tops polls and attracts right-wing populists frustrated with Tory moderation on immigration and spending.

• Danny Kruger : First sitting Tory MP to defect (Sept 2025), ex-shadow work and pensions minister.

• Robert Jenrick : Ex-shadow justice secretary, expelled Jan 2026 for "plotting" switch.

• Nadhim Zahawi : Former chancellor, joined recently calling for a "glorious revolution".

• Jonathan Gullis : Ex-deputy chairman and education minister (Nov 2025).

Councillor Switches

Local defections add momentum, often timed for publicity like during Tory conferences.

• 20 Conservative councillors announced Oct 2025.

• 14 more reported Jan 2026.

• Specifics: 5 in Kent (Oct 2025), 1 senior in Somerset (Jan 2026).

Broader Context

Reform benefits from Tory infighting post-2024 election loss, with polls showing it leading the right-wing vote. Forum discussions speculate more could follow, but lists remain incomplete—Reddit threads track a handful without exhaustive counts. Labour and Lib Dems frame it as Tory implosion, warning of Reform's hardline risks.

TL;DR : At least 4 notable ex-MPs/Ministers and 35+ councillors documented, fueling Reform's surge—no official tally. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.