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)

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.

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