Nadine Dorries, a former Conservative Minister, has declared that “the Tory Party is dead,” marking another blow to Nigel Farage’s Reform Britain.
Dorries, who previously served as Boris Johnson’s cultural secretary, described leaving the Conservative Party as the “hardest decision” she has ever made, adding that she has been contemplating joining Farage’s Reform Britain for about a year.
In an interview, she stated, “The Tory Party is dead. Its members need to look to the future with the inconceivable.”
“There’s definitely a growing sense of fear among communities across the country,” Dorries mentioned. “It’s time for action. Nigel Farage is, I believe, the only politician equipped with the solutions and determination we need.”
After Boris Johnson’s removal from office, Dorries grew increasingly dissatisfied with her party. She described his ousting as a “giant mistake” and suggested it was a “coup” orchestrated by people like former Goldman Sachs banker Rishi Sunak.
Dorries has also been vocal about the toxic environment in Westminster, stating that many Conservative members have engaged in serious misconduct, which she felt was overlooked within the party.
On Thursday, she emphasized that her “core beliefs” have remained consistent since joining the Conservatives in 1995, indicating that it was the party that hadn’t changed her.
The news of her departure was met positively by Reform spokesman Zia Yusuf, who referred to Dorries as an “asset” to their party. He echoed her sentiments, saying they agree that the Tory Party is finished.
However, her past involvement in controversial online safety legislation has raised questions regarding her move to Reform Britain; critics argue that the laws she supported could lead to censorship.
Farage has been sharply critical of those laws, labeling them “borderline dystopian,” and has vowed to repeal them if his party gains power. While Dorries hasn’t addressed this issue directly, she noted that their disagreements would be private.
Regardless, her defection could significantly benefit the Reform Party, which is set to hold its annual conference in Birmingham. The party has gained traction in polls amid concerns over immigration and economic challenges.
At the conference, Farage expressed confidence about becoming prime minister by 2027, suggesting he wouldn’t have to wait for the next scheduled election then.
