Lee Anderson, a former Conservative deputy chairman, has recently joined Reform UK and is expected to contest the Ashfield constituency in the next general election. Bookmakers, including Star Sports, have placed him at 2/1 to win the seat, marking a significant moment in UK politics as he represents Reform UK’s first member of parliament. Anderson’s migration to Reform UK follows his suspension from the Conservative Party after making controversial comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan. This move highlights a growing sentiment among certain voters, with Reform UK polling at 14% nationally and drawing support from those disillusioned with the Conservatives since the 2019 general election.

Nigel Farage, associated with Reform UK, regards Anderson’s defection as a pivotal moment, anticipating its considerable impact on the political landscape, particularly within the “Red Wall” constituencies. Reform UK leader Richard Tice has made clear the party’s intent to operate independently, without forming alliances with the Conservatives in the upcoming election, as the party aims to distinguish itself and offer an alternative to disenchanted conservative voters.

In related political developments, Nadine Dorries has openly dismissed the notion that Boris Johnson will partake in campaigning for the Conservative Party in the ensuing general election. Addressing rumors and reports suggesting Johnson’s involvement, Dorries referred to such claims as “complete nonsense” and criticized the strategy as a potential move by No 10 to discourage further defections. Despite Johnson’s past success in leading the Conservatives to victory in 2019 and subsequent resignation from his position and parliament, his role in the upcoming election remains a subject of speculation.