The Latest Breaking News from Reform

A core function of political parties is to nurture talent and, in some cases, provide a credible path to power for ambitious politicians. In this fraught climate, Reform UK increasingly appears to be an alternative route for those who see no such path via the Conservative party.

Reform plots turning it into the ‘Slytherin house’ of politics, says ex-Tory minister

Within just a few hours of being publicly sacked from the shadow cabinet by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick held a press conference to announce he was joining Reform. Badenoch cited “clear, irrefutable evidence” the Jenrick had been plotting to defect to Reform in a maximally damaging way.

Some supporters are concerned about the number of Conservatives being welcomed by their party, and fear it could alienate voters

Nick Timothy also said the Conservative Party is ‘more united under Kemi’s leadership than I’ve known it for many years’.

Kent County Councillor Peter Osborne was facing a complaint signed by leaders of the opposition groups over a message he sent in autumn last year.

Reform UK’s newest MP said he made the decision to leave the Tories over Christmas

Robert Jenrick can be heard criticising his new boss and dismissing Reform UK as ‘not a serious party’ in leaked audio

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said Reform UK was a ‘Right-wing project’ despite Nigel Farage’s party attracting a significant number of Labour voters

In today’s newsletter: A sudden dismissal appears to have forced the hand of the most senior Tory to join the ranks of Reform so far

Nigel Farage’s London mayoral candidate tells The Standard podcast: ‘I don't think in an open society people should cover their face. It provides a cloak of anonymity for criminals’