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One more influential Conservative Party member has moved to Nigel Farage’s party, with one-time minister for health Maria Caulfield confirming she enrolled a month ago.

New Challenge for the Conservative Leadership

Although Caulfield is no longer an MP after being defeated in her former seat to the Lib Dems last year, her decision represents a further challenge for the governing party, coming just a day after a separate defection by a sitting Tory MP.

A series of prominent Tory figures have moved to Reform in recent months, although so far only a single remains in elected office.

The Former Minister’s Statement

“If you are Conservative right-minded, then the future is the Reform Party. The country is going to undergo major shifts.”

She added: “The same people thought that Brexit would not happen are convinced that Reform UK will not happen. They should expect a shock.”

Caulfield revealed that she became a member four weeks back, mentioning that her partner had joined some time earlier.

“It’s disappointing for the Tories. I could see that my views haven’t shifted, but Conservative leadership has become progressively aligned with my values.”

The defector insisted that the Conservatives disappointed voters over leaving the EU, particularly on regulations, spending, and border control. “Authority was reclaimed, but we did not make changes about it.”

Regarding the party, she remarked: “Reform is about changing the system – things won’t improve unless change is pursued.”

Future Plans

Caulfield suggested that there’s a chance she could seek to re-enter as an MP under the party, stating: “I’ll observe what transpires.”

Party’s Approach

Although Reform is wary of taking on too many previous Conservative MPs, which might be seen as a dumping ground for ejected MPs, the organization is mindful that it lacks background in governance.

Experienced politicians might bring that expertise.

Other High-Profile Moves

Another incumbent Tory MP, formerly acting as an advisor to the former PM, in the past day switched to Reform UK and was appointed as the leader of “getting ready to govern”.

“The Conservative party is finished. Over as a major political entity, over as the leading opposition to the progressive side.”

Although leaving the party, the MP took care not to disparage the incumbent Tory leader, remarking that she had “done an admirable job in extremely challenging circumstances”.

The MP continued: “On a personal level, in my view she’s exhibited true grit and strength. It’s not my intention to target her on a personal level. In my opinion whoever was in charge would’ve encountered a difficult period over the recent months.”

“I do disagree with the strategy. I think what she needed to implement is a far more bold assertion of Conservative principles.”

“Yet now we are here, It’s not merely about rejecting the Tories, I’m actually fully supporting Reform’s figurehead and the Reform UK, who in my view have shown over the past year that they have become a credible, substantial party of opposition.”