Conservatives put 11 MPs on alert for potential defection amid concerns of a large-scale shift to Reform UK

17 January 2026 , 08:00

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Conservatives put 11 MPs on alert for potential defection amid concerns of a large-scale shift to Reform UK

The Conservative Party has placed 11 of its MPs on a defection watch list amid growing concerns that more could follow Robert Jenrick in joining Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

The move comes after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch sacked Jenrick from her shadow cabinet after discovering plans for his defection. Badenoch later branded him a “liar” who could not be trusted, while senior Conservatives warned his move could trigger further departures.

According to a watch list seen by The Independent, those being monitored include senior figures and former ministers Suella Braverman, Sir John Hayes, Mark Francois, Esther McVey, Andrew Rosindell and Sir Desmond Swayne. The list also names newer MPs Katie Lam, Bradley Thomas and Lewis Cocking, along with shadow ministers Matt Vickers and Joy Morrissey.

Party insiders fear Farage’s call for would-be defectors to switch sides before the 7 May local elections could accelerate the exodus. One senior Conservative warned that if multiple MPs defect by that date, the party could face an existential crisis.

The watch list was drawn up before Jenrick’s defection, and party figures have admitted they were “completely blindsided” by his decision. Some insiders say the number of potential defectors could exceed 20, with much of the list overlapping with the right-wing Common Sense Group, which previously supported Jenrick.

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Badenoch has insisted Jenrick’s departure will ultimately stabilise the party, saying his former supporters have apologised and returned to her. She accused Reform of seeking to destroy the Conservatives rather than challenge Labour, and said she would not allow that to happen.

Jenrick has denied defecting out of personal ambition and said he hoped his move would be seen as a moment when the political right united. He also said he had not encouraged colleagues to follow him, calling defection a “deeply personal” decision.

Most of the MPs named on the list have publicly denied plans to defect, though senior Conservatives have privately noted that denials often precede departures. The controversy has heightened tensions within the party, with some MPs criticising Badenoch’s handling of the situation and warning of further instability ahead of the May elections.

George MacGregor