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.

Trade body describes the Government’s new electric HGV plan as a ‘monumental challenge’

Oliver Dean | February 17, 2026

With only 1 in 70 new HGV's being electric, the government must assist with infrastructure investment says industry leader

Blakeney bolsters its team with new additions

Madeline Dabbah | February 13, 2026

Blakeney has welcomed former drinks company Oatly managing director Tim Knight and pro-Brexit MEP Lucy Harris, in an effort to strengthen their position, the public affairs and strategic

Hanbury goes global

Oliver Dean | February 13, 2026

Hanbury's decision to erect offices in Washington and Sydney showcases the firms' strong public image.

What’s next for Global Counsel?

Mace | February 10, 2026

With both founders resigning and Rebecca Park as the new CEO, William Cash looks at how the leading global lobbying firm might turn a crisis into opportunity

Portland Communications founder leaves Downing Street

Mace | February 10, 2026

Tim Allan becomes latest senior figure to leave government

McSweeney’s resignation raises questions over lobbying links

Oliver Dean | February 9, 2026

Whilst the headlines focus on McSweeney's exit from Downing Street, his work at Labour Together has gone unnoticed

Mandelson’s lobbying firm in disarray as CEO departs

Oliver Dean | February 6, 2026

Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, who co-founded the lobbying firm Global Counsel alongside Peter Mandelson has today resigned following significant backlash regarding the firm’s link to Jeffrey Epstein.

Russell Group turns to public policy veteran for next phase of university lobbying

Thomas Edwards | January 21, 2026

The Russell Group has picked Professor Libby Hackett, an Australia based public policy specialist, as its next chief executive, handing the UK’s most influential research university lobby to

Robert Jenrick sacked from shadow cabinet and stripped of Conservative whip

Mace | January 15, 2026

Robert Jenrick is removed from the shadow cabinet and loses the Conservative whip amid claims he was planning a defection

M&S corporate affairs chief exits for senior FMCG role

Mace | January 12, 2026

Marks & Spencer corporate affairs chief Victoria McKenzie-Gould departs to join The Magnum Ice Cream Company in a senior FMCG leadership role.