High-Profile UK Conservative MP Defects to Hard-Right Reform Party

Casey Halston

Published: January 26, 2026 9:55 AM ET

Suella Braverman, a former British Home Secretary, has officially left the Conservative Party to join the hard-right Reform UK party. This change comes after three decades of service within the Conservatives, marking a significant shift in her political career.

Braverman’s Departure from the Conservatives

Braverman’s resignation was announced on a Monday, and it follows her termination as interior minister in November 2023. Her removal came after she frequently deviated from official party policies. In her statement, Braverman criticized the ongoing state of the nation, suggesting that reforms were essential for a stronger Britain.

Key Statements and Defections

Braverman characterized current political trajectories as “managed decline.”
She emphasized the need for reclaiming British strength and power.
Her defection follows Robert Jenrick’s similar move to Reform UK.

With Braverman joining, Reform UK now holds eight seats in the House of Commons. In contrast, the Conservative Party has 116 seats, maintaining its status as the official opposition to Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Public Reception and Political Context

Despite having only a small representation in Parliament, Reform UK enjoys leading positions in opinion polls. This trend is notable ahead of local elections scheduled for May 2024, which will include contests in Scotland and Wales.

Braverman’s controversial remarks on immigration, describing it as a “hurricane,” have stirred significant public debate. Her comments have attracted criticism, contributing to tensions during protests in London where she labeled demonstrators as “hate marchers.”

Future Prospects for Reform UK

Following her departure, Braverman is expected to shift the political landscape further in favor of Reform UK. Party leader Nigel Farage has welcomed her, viewing her defection as a boost to their political agenda.

This shift underscores ongoing struggles within the Conservative Party and sets the stage for the upcoming political challenges it faces from both Reform UK and the Labour Party.