Nadine Dorries Joins Reform UK on Eve of Conference

Mace | 5th September 2025 | Moves, Uncategorised
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 4: Former MP Nadine Dorries attends a press conference to present new evidence regarding the safety of the convictions of former nurse, Lucy Letby, on February 4, 2025 in London, England. Analysis conducted by 14 neonatologists was revealed at a press conference in central London by Dr Shoo Lee, who has previously claimed his research on air embolism in babies was misinterpreted by the prosecution at Letby's 10-month trial. Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 4: Former MP Nadine Dorries attends a press conference to present new evidence regarding the safety of the convictions of former nurse, Lucy Letby, on February 4, 2025 in London, England. Analysis conducted by 14 neonatologists was revealed at a press conference in central London by Dr Shoo Lee, who has previously claimed his research on air embolism in babies was misinterpreted by the prosecution at Letby's 10-month trial. Letby is serving 15 whole-life orders for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Nadine Dorries, former Conservative culture secretary, has defected to Reform UK just ahead of its Birmingham conference. Seen as the most high-profile Tory defection yet, her join strengthens Nigel Farage’s rising populist party amid growing donor support and public momentum.

Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries has joined Reform UK just before the party’s conference in Birmingham. The switch comes amid several high-profile figures leaving the Conservative Party for Reform and represents the most prominent defection to date . She had served as Culture Secretary under Prime Minister Boris Johnson and resigned from Parliament in 2023. Her defection has been portrayed by Reform as a significant boost, with the party securing substantial financial backing from ex-Tory donors and enjoying surging poll numbers and membership growth. Labour has responded by highlighting Dorries’ previous role in the Conservative government and her pivotal responsibility in its recent decline. Reform anticipates drawing record attendance at its Birmingham conference, expected to be the largest ever, featuring Nigel Farage’s address and signalling Reform’s ambitions as a credible electoral alternative. Dorries is expected to be on stage alongside Farage....

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.

Ex-Citypress public affairs lead joins law firm

Mace | May 19, 2026

Tom Anelay, who most recently led the public affairs practice at Citypress, has moved to an in-house role at one of the UK’s fastest-growing law firms.

H/Advisors Cicero hired to drive financial inclusion in parliament

Mace | May 19, 2026

H/Advisors Cicero has been briefed to increase support for financial inclusion, provide monitoring and intelligence.

Westminster Street Fight for the Labour crown

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | May 13, 2026

With Wes Streeting resigning and Angela Rayner now cleared by HMRC, all eyes are on Westminster's Game of Thrones-style battle for the Labour crown

UK ‘global investor’ visa proposed by lobby group to bring back UK’s non-doms

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | April 23, 2026

New 'global investor visa' proposed by lobby group as UK struggles to attract the super-rich

London Elections latest polling: Green gains and Labour out

Lucy Carrier-Pilkington | April 22, 2026

Latest polling from YouGov suggests major gains for Greens and Reform UK in the capital.

Pagefield and WPI’s merger throws into question the boutique PA firm model

Mace | March 26, 2026

As the two firms face a merger, the question over the longevity of the boutique firm is put under the spotlight.

Reform UK adviser joins PLMR

Mace | March 6, 2026

Kirsty Walmsley's move to PLMR signals that Reform are being treated as a real political force, rather than an outside threat.

Ex-Global Counsel employees find a new home

Oliver Dean | March 6, 2026

Following Global Counsel's demise a few weeks ago, talent from the firm has already been picked up by a number of big name PA and communications agencies.

Greens win Gorton and Denton

Oliver Dean | February 27, 2026

The Green's victory reflects a changing mindset in British politics

Green Party leader gets new communications advisor

Oliver Dean | February 17, 2026

Polanski's new communications advisor shows that the Green Party leader is serious about his public image.