Danny Kruger, Member of Parliament for East Wiltshire, has formally left the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK in a significant political move. Speaking at a Reform press conference alongside Nigel Farage, Kruger said it was “personally painful” to depart after more than 20 years in the Conservatives, but insisted the party has become a hollow institution unable to offer a viable alternative.
Kruger — formerly Shadow Welfare Spokesperson — criticized the Conservative Party’s recent direction, calling it defined by “failure, drift and sham unity,” especially following its recent general election defeat. He declared the Conservatives “over as a national party, over as the principal opposition to the left.” His defection marks the first time a sitting Tory MP and shadow frontbencher has joined Reform UK, further elevating the rising party in recent UK opinion polls.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed Kruger as head of a newly established department called “Preparing for Government,” aimed at developing talent, crafting credible policy, and readying the party for governance. Both men emphasized that Reform seeks to be a serious alternative — reforming the system rather than overturning it — and appealed to public servants and military officers who believe the status quo is broken to help envision future change.
Kruger made clear this is more than just a symbolic change; he believes Reform UK is now the standard-bearer for conservatism in Britain. He called on former Conservative colleagues and voters dissatisfied with current leadership to shift their support, suggesting that only one party on the right can realistically offer direction and accountability for what he sees as a country in crisis.
