Rosindell defection boosts Reform UK

Published: 19 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

In a dramatic political shift, Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has officially joined Reform UK, signalling another blow to the Conservative Party. The Rosindell defection immediately drew attention, centring on ongoing tensions over the UK’s handling of the Chagos Islands. Rosindell, who has represented Romford since 2001, cited opposition to the handover of the islands to Mauritius as his main reason. This is the second high-profile Conservative departure to Nigel Farage’s party in four days, following Robert Jenrick’s move, and further highlights growing unrest among Tory MPs.

Previously a shadow Foreign Office minister under Kemi Badenoch, Rosindell expressed frustration with Conservative leadership. In a statement on X, he said the party failed to oppose the Chagos deal effectively, describing both Labour and the Conservatives as complicit in surrendering British sovereignty. He stressed that Reform UK is now the only political movement committed to prioritising national interests, a sentiment underpinning his decision to defect.

The 59-year-old has long campaigned for Chagossians forcibly removed from Diego Garcia in 1971 to allow construction of a UK-US military base. Rosindell said that Conservative peers being instructed not to oppose the Chagos bill earlier this month marked the tipping point for him. His Rosindell defection reflects his belief that radical action is needed to reverse past policy mistakes and defend the British public’s interests.

Political analysts note that while Rosindell has a lower profile than Jenrick, his departure intensifies perceptions of instability in the Conservative Party. He becomes the third sitting Tory MP to join Reform UK, following Danny Kruger and Nadhim Zahawi, signalling a broader trend of realignment. Farage welcomed the move, describing Rosindell as a committed patriot whose principles strengthen Reform UK’s parliamentary presence.

The Rosindell defection underlines dissatisfaction among MPs concerned about both domestic and foreign policy decisions. Analysts argue that such defections, though numerically small, carry significant symbolic weight, emphasising the party’s growing appeal among disillusioned Conservatives. Reform UK now has seven MPs, and the May elections to Scottish and Welsh parliaments, as well as councils across England, provide an opportunity to convert discontent into tangible political influence.

Rosindell emphasised that the Conservative Party’s refusal to challenge the Chagos handover reflected a wider reluctance to address past mistakes. By joining Reform UK, he claimed alignment with a party willing to take decisive action for Britain’s interests. Farage praised the MP’s principled stance, noting his long advocacy for Chagossians and commitment to protecting national sovereignty.

Observers suggest that voter perception may shift as defections highlight ethical and policy disagreements within the Tory ranks. The Rosindell defection contributes to Reform UK’s growing legitimacy, illustrating the party’s capacity to attract members prioritising accountability, sovereignty, and principled governance. This narrative may appeal particularly to voters disillusioned by traditional party politics.

Ultimately, Rosindell’s move demonstrates how ethical foreign policy decisions continue to influence domestic politics. By emphasising sovereignty, historical responsibility, and accountability, the MP frames Reform UK as a credible alternative for those dissatisfied with the Conservative Party’s direction. The Rosindell defection thus represents both a personal statement and a signal of Reform UK’s rising parliamentary influence.

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