Former health minister defects to Reform | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKate DevlinWednesday 17 September 2025 07:00 BSTRelated video: Danny Kruger defects to Reform UKFormer health minister Maria Caulfield has defected from the Conservative Party to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, declaring that "the future is Reform".Caulfield's defection is the thirteenth by a former Tory MP to Reform and occurred less than 24 hours after sitting Conservative MP Danny Kruger also switched allegiance.This latest departure places increased pressure on Kemi Badenoch, as it continues a trend of high-profile figures leaving the Conservative Party.Danny Kruger justified his move by citing multiple national crises, including in the economy, at the border, and within public services, and encouraged other Tory MPs to join Reform.Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride disagreed with Kruger's analysis, calling it "profoundly wrong" and highlighting the Conservative Party's ongoing efforts to regain public trust.In fullMaria Caulfield defects to Reform as Nigel Farage claims another former Tory ministerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in