Suella Braverman Joins Reform UK Amidst Conservative Party Turmoil
Published 26 January 2026
Highlights
- Suella Braverman, former Home Secretary, defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, citing political differences over Brexit and immigration.
- Her defection marks the third Conservative MP to join Nigel Farage's party in just over a week, increasing Reform UK's parliamentary presence to eight MPs.
- The Conservative Party faced backlash for an erroneous statement linking Braverman's defection to mental health issues, which was later retracted.
- Braverman criticized the Conservatives for failing to deliver on key promises and urged her constituents to join her in Reform UK.
- Nigel Farage defended the acceptance of former Tories, emphasizing the need for experienced members in Reform UK.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Suella Braverman Joins Reform UK Amidst Conservative Party Turmoil
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has made headlines by defecting from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. This move, announced at a press conference, underscores growing tensions within the Conservative ranks and highlights Braverman's dissatisfaction with the party's stance on Brexit and immigration.
A High-Profile Defection
Braverman's departure marks the third defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK in just over a week, following Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell. Her decision to join Farage's party increases Reform UK's parliamentary representation to eight MPs. At the press conference, Braverman expressed feeling "politically homeless" for two years, citing the Conservatives' failure to uphold promises on Brexit and immigration.
Controversial Statements and Backlash
The Conservative Party faced significant backlash after issuing a statement that linked Braverman's defection to mental health issues. The statement, described as a "draft version" sent in error, was swiftly retracted following criticism from across the political spectrum. Braverman dismissed the comments as "pathetic," while former Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg called for accountability over the statement's approval.
Braverman's Critique of Conservative Leadership
Braverman, who has served as an MP since 2015 and held roles such as Attorney General and Home Secretary, criticized the current Conservative leadership under Kemi Badenoch. She accused the party of orchestrating a "witch hunt" against right-wing members and failing to address key issues like immigration and high taxes. Braverman urged local Conservative activists in her constituency to join her in Reform UK, emphasizing her belief that the party no longer reflects its foundational values.
Farage's Response and Reform UK's Strategy
Nigel Farage defended the decision to welcome former Conservative members, stating that their experience is invaluable to Reform UK. He emphasized the party's distinct stance, asserting that both Labour and the Conservatives fail to recognize Britain's challenges. Farage's comments come as Reform UK positions itself as a radical alternative in the UK's political landscape.
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Scenario Analysis
Suella Braverman's defection to Reform UK could signal a broader shift within the Conservative Party, potentially leading to further defections if internal disagreements persist. The backlash over the mental health statement highlights the party's current instability and may impact its public image. As Reform UK gains momentum, it could challenge the traditional political order, especially if it continues to attract high-profile defectors. Political analysts will be watching closely to see if this trend influences upcoming elections and reshapes the UK's political landscape.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has made headlines by defecting from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. This move, announced at a press conference, underscores growing tensions within the Conservative ranks and highlights Braverman's dissatisfaction with the party's stance on Brexit and immigration.
A High-Profile Defection
Braverman's departure marks the third defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK in just over a week, following Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell. Her decision to join Farage's party increases Reform UK's parliamentary representation to eight MPs. At the press conference, Braverman expressed feeling "politically homeless" for two years, citing the Conservatives' failure to uphold promises on Brexit and immigration.
Controversial Statements and Backlash
The Conservative Party faced significant backlash after issuing a statement that linked Braverman's defection to mental health issues. The statement, described as a "draft version" sent in error, was swiftly retracted following criticism from across the political spectrum. Braverman dismissed the comments as "pathetic," while former Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg called for accountability over the statement's approval.
Braverman's Critique of Conservative Leadership
Braverman, who has served as an MP since 2015 and held roles such as Attorney General and Home Secretary, criticized the current Conservative leadership under Kemi Badenoch. She accused the party of orchestrating a "witch hunt" against right-wing members and failing to address key issues like immigration and high taxes. Braverman urged local Conservative activists in her constituency to join her in Reform UK, emphasizing her belief that the party no longer reflects its foundational values.
Farage's Response and Reform UK's Strategy
Nigel Farage defended the decision to welcome former Conservative members, stating that their experience is invaluable to Reform UK. He emphasized the party's distinct stance, asserting that both Labour and the Conservatives fail to recognize Britain's challenges. Farage's comments come as Reform UK positions itself as a radical alternative in the UK's political landscape.
What this might mean
Suella Braverman's defection to Reform UK could signal a broader shift within the Conservative Party, potentially leading to further defections if internal disagreements persist. The backlash over the mental health statement highlights the party's current instability and may impact its public image. As Reform UK gains momentum, it could challenge the traditional political order, especially if it continues to attract high-profile defectors. Political analysts will be watching closely to see if this trend influences upcoming elections and reshapes the UK's political landscape.
