Shifting Loyalties

The Conservative party faced yet another setback today with another defection to Reform UK, echoing Lee Anderson's departure earlier this month.

Dan Barker, the Conservative candidate for Manchester Mayor, stunned the political scene by announcing his switch to Reform UK mere weeks before the Mancunians head to the polls. Barker's move was framed as a strategic shift, with him now pledging to take on Andy Burnham on behalf of Richard Tice rather than Rishi Sunak.

In his statement, Barker expressed his delight in joining Reform UK, citing it as the "new home of conservatism" and emphasizing its representation of ordinary citizens. Mr Barker said is: "Delighted to be joining the new home of conservatism with Reform UK."

A Reform UK spokesperson underscored Barker's disillusionment with the Tories, noting how his decision reflects broader sentiments about the party's treatment of its candidates and the country at large.

Barker's defection comes hot on the heels of Lee Anderson's move to Reform UK, who himself had been suspended by the Tories over remarks about Sadiq Khan.

The defection coincides with a significant drop in support for the Conservatives, as revealed by a recent YouGov poll. With only 19% of voters backing the Tories, compared to Labour's 44%, the gap is narrowing, with Reform UK now polling just four points behind Rishi Sunak at 15%.

Lee Anderson, reacting to the poll results, highlighted the closing gap between Reform UK and the Tories, poking fun at Sunak's strategies.

Nigel Farage cautioned that the significant gap signifies a larger political insurgency, while Lord Frost criticized the Conservative leadership's ineffective strategies.

In response to Barker's defection, a Tory candidate lamented his departure, highlighting both his perceived shortcomings and his newfound untrustworthiness.