Tory Party Considers Six-Month 'Quarantine' for Reform Defectors
Plan aims to 'detoxify' returning MPs and prevent repeat defections, with Kemi Badenoch reportedly pragmatic.
The Conservative Party is reportedly drawing up plans to require defectors from the Reform UK party to sit as independents for six months before being readmitted, a move designed to 'detoxify' the returning MPs and prevent future defections.
Sources within the party suggest that MPs wishing to leave Nigel Farage's Reform UK and rejoin the Conservatives under leader Kemi Badenoch would first need to serve a period in the House of Commons as independents. This 'quarantine' period aims to create a clear break from their time with Reform and ensure a more stable return to the Tory fold.
While Badenoch has publicly stated that there is no easy return for those who have defected, insiders indicate a pragmatic approach is being considered due to the potential political advantages of bringing back former members. The plan is seen as a way to manage the reintegration of these MPs, particularly with the possibility of a snap election looming.
Among Reform UK's eight current Members of Parliament, four were originally elected as Conservatives in 2024: Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman, Danny Kruger, and Andrew Rosindell. Senior Conservative sources report that some of these MPs may be reconsidering their allegiances after a challenging summer for Reform, which has seen a decline in polls. Some former Tories have reportedly expressed facing animosity within Reform after their initial defection.
Tory headquarters has reportedly begun reaching out to individuals they believe might be receptive to returning, informing them of the proposed policy being considered by party chairman Kevin Hollinrake. The six-month timeline could be shortened if Prime Minister Andy Burnham calls an early general election.
This potential policy shift coincides with a notable shift in political fortunes. Reform UK has reportedly dropped eight points in recent polls, reaching a two-year low, while the Conservatives have seen a steady increase, according to Politico's poll of polls. The party hopes this would signal to voters that a return to the Conservative fold is possible, especially as support for Farage appears to be waning.
Some seat-by-seat projections already indicate that Badenoch's Conservatives could potentially end up with more MPs than Farage's Reform UK, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding Reform's donation handling. A Conservative spokesman dismissed the story when reached for comment on Saturday.