Former Tory Chairman Jake Berry Joins Reform UK Amid Growing Political Shifts
Published 9 July 2025
Highlights
- Sir Jake Berry, a former Conservative MP and party chairman, has defected to Reform UK, citing dissatisfaction with both the Conservative and Labour parties.
- Berry's defection marks the second high-profile move to Nigel Farage's party this week, following former Welsh Secretary David Jones.
- Reform UK is gaining momentum, with several former Conservative MPs joining, while Labour shifts its focus to counter this rising political force.
- Berry criticized the current political landscape, stating that both major parties have failed the British people over the past two decades.
- Despite losing his seat to Labour in the 2024 election, Berry's move to Reform UK underscores a significant shift in UK political dynamics.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Former Tory Chairman Jake Berry Joins Reform UK Amid Growing Political Shifts
In a significant political development, Sir Jake Berry, former Conservative MP and party chairman, has announced his defection to Reform UK. Berry, who served as an MP for 14 years and held various ministerial roles, including as Northern Powerhouse minister, expressed his disillusionment with both the Conservative and Labour parties, claiming they have "wrecked" the country over the past two decades.
Berry's decision to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK comes shortly after former Welsh Secretary David Jones made a similar move, highlighting a growing trend of political defections to the party. In an article for The Sun, Berry criticized the current political system, stating, "Old Westminster politics has failed. But there's a better way." He emphasized his belief in challenging the status quo and seeking change through Reform UK.
The defection has sparked reactions from both major parties. A Conservative Party spokesperson wished Berry well in his "new high spend, high tax party," while a Labour spokesperson noted the increasing influence of Farage's party. Berry's move is seen as a blow to the Conservatives, particularly given his close ties to former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
Berry's defection underscores the growing momentum of Reform UK, which has been gaining traction in recent opinion polls. The party's rise has prompted Labour to shift its focus towards countering this emerging political force, despite its current majority in the Commons.
The former MP for Rossendale and Darwen, who lost his seat to Labour's Andy MacNae in the 2024 election, expressed his desire for Reform UK to become the next government. "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," Berry stated.
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Scenario Analysis
The defection of high-profile figures like Jake Berry to Reform UK could signal a broader shift in the UK's political landscape. As more former Conservative MPs join the party, it may challenge the traditional two-party dominance of the Conservatives and Labour. This could lead to a more fragmented political environment, where smaller parties play a significant role in shaping policy and governance.
If Reform UK continues to gain momentum, it may force the major parties to reassess their strategies and policies to retain voter support. The Conservatives, in particular, may need to address internal divisions and policy criticisms to prevent further defections.
Experts suggest that the rise of Reform UK could also influence upcoming elections, potentially altering the balance of power in Parliament. As the political climate evolves, the ability of Reform UK to capitalize on public dissatisfaction and present a viable alternative will be crucial in determining its future impact on British politics.
In a significant political development, Sir Jake Berry, former Conservative MP and party chairman, has announced his defection to Reform UK. Berry, who served as an MP for 14 years and held various ministerial roles, including as Northern Powerhouse minister, expressed his disillusionment with both the Conservative and Labour parties, claiming they have "wrecked" the country over the past two decades.
Berry's decision to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK comes shortly after former Welsh Secretary David Jones made a similar move, highlighting a growing trend of political defections to the party. In an article for The Sun, Berry criticized the current political system, stating, "Old Westminster politics has failed. But there's a better way." He emphasized his belief in challenging the status quo and seeking change through Reform UK.
The defection has sparked reactions from both major parties. A Conservative Party spokesperson wished Berry well in his "new high spend, high tax party," while a Labour spokesperson noted the increasing influence of Farage's party. Berry's move is seen as a blow to the Conservatives, particularly given his close ties to former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.
Berry's defection underscores the growing momentum of Reform UK, which has been gaining traction in recent opinion polls. The party's rise has prompted Labour to shift its focus towards countering this emerging political force, despite its current majority in the Commons.
The former MP for Rossendale and Darwen, who lost his seat to Labour's Andy MacNae in the 2024 election, expressed his desire for Reform UK to become the next government. "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," Berry stated.
What this might mean
The defection of high-profile figures like Jake Berry to Reform UK could signal a broader shift in the UK's political landscape. As more former Conservative MPs join the party, it may challenge the traditional two-party dominance of the Conservatives and Labour. This could lead to a more fragmented political environment, where smaller parties play a significant role in shaping policy and governance.
If Reform UK continues to gain momentum, it may force the major parties to reassess their strategies and policies to retain voter support. The Conservatives, in particular, may need to address internal divisions and policy criticisms to prevent further defections.
Experts suggest that the rise of Reform UK could also influence upcoming elections, potentially altering the balance of power in Parliament. As the political climate evolves, the ability of Reform UK to capitalize on public dissatisfaction and present a viable alternative will be crucial in determining its future impact on British politics.
