Reform UK Gains Momentum as Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell Defects Ahead of 2029 Election

Britain’s populist Reform UK party has gained further political momentum after attracting another high-profile defector from the Conservative Party. On Sunday, Andrew Rosindell, a serving lawmaker and member of the Conservatives’ foreign policy team, announced he was leaving the party to join Reform UK, saying it was time “to put country before party.” His decision highlights growing divisions within the Conservatives as Reform UK continues to surge in national opinion polls ahead of the next general election scheduled for 2029.

Rosindell’s move marks yet another setback for the Conservatives, once the dominant force in British politics. He becomes one of more than 20 current or former Conservative lawmakers who have switched allegiance to Reform UK, a party led by veteran Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. With Rosindell’s defection, Reform UK now holds seven seats in the 650-member House of Commons, underscoring its expanding parliamentary presence.

In a statement posted on X, Rosindell said he resigned from his parliamentary role and the Conservative Party “with sorrow,” but cited deep frustration with the party’s direction. He pointed specifically to what he described as the failure of both the government and the Conservative opposition to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. According to Rosindell, the issue represented a “clear red line,” accusing both major parties of being complicit in the surrender of British territory to a foreign power.

The controversial Chagos Islands agreement allows Britain to retain control of the strategically vital U.S.-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, through a 99-year lease. Despite this provision, critics within Conservative ranks argue the deal undermines British sovereignty and weakens the country’s global standing.

Nigel Farage welcomed Rosindell’s decision, calling him “a great addition to our team.” The Reform UK leader has recently drawn attention by also welcoming former Conservative leadership contender Robert Jenrick, signaling a broader realignment on the right of British politics. As Reform UK gains traction, Rosindell’s defection reflects mounting pressure on the Conservative Party and highlights shifting voter loyalties in the run-up to the 2029 election.