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.