London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomes first sitting Tory MP defector, Danny Kruger, who joins to lead the party’s preparations and address key national crises.
As reported by The Independent, Nigel Farage welcomed sitting Conservative MP Danny Kruger to Reform UK.
What did Danny Kruger say about joining Reform UK and Tory failures?
During a press conference in London, East Wiltshire MP announced his defection from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.
Danny Kruger said,
“I have been variously a member, an activist, an employee of the Conservative Party for over 20 years, and I have many friends in the party, many good and decent people, which is why it is so personally painful for me to be doing what I’m doing today.”
He stated he wished the Conservative Party would learn from last year’s defeat, arguing that significant change is needed beyond centrist policies.
Mr Kruger said,
“But no, we have had a year of stasis and drift and the sham unity that comes from not doing anything bold or difficult or controversial, and the result is in the polls and those lost voters aren’t coming back, and every day, more and more people are joining them in deserting the party that has failed. And so this is my tragic conclusion, the Conservative Party is over.”
The Reform’s new MP said,
“I am not despondent, because conservatism is not over. It’s never been needed more and actually it’s never been more vibrant, because the failure of the Conservative Party has created space for an alternative.”
Mr Kruger added,
“The flame is passing from one torch to another. The old torch, once so great, is guttering, fluttering, held weakly in uncertain hands, but the new torch is already a light, already brighter than the one it is replacing, held aloft in firm and confident hands.”
His departure highlights a leadership crisis for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, given his former influence in the party.
Mr Kruger, once involved in a Tory team to counter Reform UK, also founded the New Conservatives and ran Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick’s leadership campaign.
The Independent reports that at least one of Mr Kruger’s former Tory colleagues is considering a defection in the coming weeks.
The MP has spoken openly about assisted dying, women’s rights, and the role of marriage in society.
Speaking at the 2023 National Conservatism conference, he claimed marriage between men and women underpins societal success.
Prue Leith, mother of Mr Kruger, revealed she is frequently targeted online because of her son’s opinions.
What did Wes Streeting say about Danny Kruger and the Tory Party?
Health Secretary posted on X,
“Danny Kruger is right about one thing: the Conservative Party is over.”
He added,
“The battle is now with Reform UK and it’s a fight that Labour must win on values as well as delivery.”
Which other Tory MPs have defected to Reform UK?
- Nadine Dorries
- Dame Andrea Jenkyns
- Marco Longhi
- Sir Jake Berry
What did Nigel Farage say about TikTok death threats?
Nigel Farage has claimed that police will not investigate TikTok threats made against him following American activist Charlie Kirk’s death.
He said,
“On Friday, there were some very explicit threats posted on TikTok for me to be killed, pretty sick in the light of what happened to Charlie Kirk but quite explicit.”
Mr Farage added,
“I have been told this morning by the Metropolitan Police that those posts don’t meet the threshold for further action. So I think we are, without doubt, living in a two tier country. It is extraordinary.”
What did Nigel Farage say about his Clacton home purchase?
Reform UK leader insisted his partner purchased his Clacton home, with a tax lawyer confirming the transaction was legal.
He faces scrutiny on property after Angela Rayner quits over unpaid stamp duty.
Critics have demanded Mr Farage clarify ownership of his Clacton home, held by partner Laure Ferrari, after he previously claimed he exchanged contracts himself.
Mr Farage’s office said partner Ms Ferrari bought the house with her own money, with a Grosvenor Law barrister verifying the tax was properly paid.