Lee Anderson, the MP for Ashfield, has announced his defection to Reform UK. The former vice-chairman of the Conservative Party was suspended by Rishi Sunak for his refusal to apologise for claiming Islamists had “got control” of Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and his city. Almost two-thirds of our survey opposed the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend Anderson.
Although our Backbencher of the Year for 2022 admitted his choice of words was “clumsy”, he doubled down on his remarks and refused Sunak’s demand of an apology. MPs called for him to be readmitted, whilst he reportedly received a standing ovation at a party event. He met with Richard Tice, Reform UK’s leader, naturally adding to speculation about a potential defection.
Those conversation reached their conclusion at a press conference this morning. Tice announced Anderson was joining Reform UK as its first MP and face in the Red Wall. Claiming he had been doing “a lot of soul searching” and was in politics to speak his mind, Anderson said he wanted his country back, and had joined the party his parents were aiming to vote for. That’s two voters, at least.
Elected for Ashfield in 2019, Anderson is a former Labour councillor and coal miner. Having switched to the Conservatives, he was a supporter of Boris Johnson, and became a popular party figure through his hosting duties on GB News and frequent visits to association. Sunak made him vice-chairman of the party last year but he resigned in January to rebel over the Rwanda Bill.
Anderson’s defection is a challenge for Sunak, coming so soon after an opinion poll suggesting the Tories are only five points ahead of Reform UK, languishing on only 18 per cent. But he is helped by Anderson’s defection tarnishing other critics of his leadership. The New Conservatives, of which Anderson was part, have already put out a statement urging a “genuine alternative” to Labour.
Are more defections due? Anderson’s case was a particular one. Anti-Sunak MPs can read the opinion polls, but joining Reform UK is an unproven quantity in terms of its aid in keeping their seats. Whatever happened to Mark Reckless? But if other MPs were to start choosing the Anderson option, a May election may suddenly look much more likely than it did after Wednesday’s Budget.