RED TO REFORM – STARMER IN A SPIN

 

Reform Gains Defection From Labour

Reform UK has welcomed another significant defection, marking a notable shift in the political landscape. This time, the blow lands on Keir Starmer rather than Kemi Badenoch, as a councillor in Stevenage becomes the first direct Labour-to-Reform defector in England. The announcement, made this morning, underscores the growing appeal of Nigel Farage’s party.

Councillor Mason Humberstone, who was elected in 2023, explained his decision to switch allegiance, stating that he had been grappling with the choice "for some time" but felt "deep down, I know it's the right call". He expressed disillusionment with Labour, warning that hardworking people in Stevenage are abandoning the party because "Labour has left us". Humberstone criticised Labour’s direction, saying, "The party I joined is lost, without vision, mired in scandal, and too often speaking for a metropolitan elite rather than the people they're meant to serve."

He further elaborated on his reasons for leaving, stating, "When policies harm the British people and weaken our democracy, I cannot in good conscience support them." As Stevenage’s youngest councillor, Humberstone emphasised his commitment to integrity and public service, adding, "As Stevenage's youngest councillor, I entered politics to serve with integrity and respect. Today, I know I join a party that will put the British people and our great nation first." He concluded with enthusiasm for his new role, saying, "I feel proud to be part of this team and ready to get to work."

This defection follows a string of high-profile exits from the Conservative Party to Reform UK earlier this week, including the party’s first-ever sitting MP defector. On Monday, Danny Kruger, a prominent Tory, left to lead Reform’s preparations for government, declaring that his former party is now dead. Kruger, who previously served as chief speechwriter to David Cameron and penned the notable "hug a hoodie" speech in 2006, also worked as Boris Johnson’s political secretary during the Brexit battles of 2019.

Adding to Reform’s momentum, former health minister Maria Caulfield announced her defection yesterday, stating, "the future is Reform". She revealed that both she and her husband had recently joined the party, saying, "I have joined. My husband joined a few months ago and I joined a month ago." Caulfield highlighted the need for experienced individuals within Reform, noting, "The [Reform] party needs a lot of experience of people who know the system and can talk about this."

Reflecting on her departure from the Conservatives, Caulfield expressed regret, saying, "I am sad for the Conservative Party. I could see that I have not changed but the party has become less and less what I believe in." She pointed to unfulfilled promises, particularly around Brexit, stating, "We let people down over what Brexit meant on laws, money and borders. We took back control but we did not do anything about it." Caulfield underscored Reform’s mission, adding, "Reform is about changing the system - they won't change unless they do it differently."

These defections signal a growing challenge for both Labour and the Conservatives as Reform UK continues to attract disillusioned politicians and voters alike, positioning itself as a force for change in British politics.