Lee Anderson, the Member of Parliament for Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, has joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK following his suspension by the Conservative Party for making Islamophobic remarks about Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor.
The former Tory deputy chairman expressed his decision to join Reform as a move to “take my country back” after undergoing self-reflection. Anderson accused the Conservative Party of suppressing “free speech,” deeming it “unpalatable” that he faced disciplinary action for “speaking my mind.”
In a public address, Anderson revealed that his parents, who live in his constituency, conveyed they would not support his candidacy in the upcoming election unless he defected to Reform.
He stated, “All I want is my country back. Now this may sound offensive to the liberal elite. But it’s not offensive to my friends or family, my constituents, and some of my constituents like my mum and dad, who told me they could not vote for me unless I joined Reform UK. My parents are both nearly 80 and they get it, and I must not let them down.”
The news was announced by Reform leader Richard Tice in what was termed a “major” announcement by the party.
Mr. Tice, who said he expected “more [defections] to follow”, welcomed Mr. Anderson as a “champion” of the Red Wall who “is trusted by voters to tell it as it is”. As recently as January 2024, Mr. Anderson labeled Mr. Tice as a “pound-shop Nigel Farage” and said Reform was “not a proper political party”.
Asked what caused the volte-face, the MP said: “There’s not been a turning point. We all know that sometimes politicians are about as trustworthy as journalists in what they say and do.”
“But it’s been a gradual journey, and I think there’s been several tipping points over the past few months. And when I find myself suspended for speaking my mind – and, by the way, speaking up on behalf of millions of people up and down the country who agree with me – that for me is unpalatable. It’s a shocker if I’m honest.”
Anderson’s Defection and Reform’s Impact on Tories
Mr. Anderson is set to run for Reform, formerly known as the Brexit Party in the upcoming general election.
This move intensifies the pressure on Rishi Sunak, as the Conservative Party faces the risk of losing numerous seats if the insurgent populist party splits the right-wing vote.
Additionally, Mr. Anderson enjoys considerable popularity among Tory grassroots supporters. Even after his suspension, he received a standing ovation at a Conservative fundraiser.
His suspension from the Conservative Party last month stemmed from remarks alleging that “Islamists” had “got control” of Mr. Khan and London, leading him to now serve as an independent MP.
Despite Mr. Sunak and several ministers refusing to label his comments as racist, Mr. Anderson faced suspension for his refusal to apologize for the remarks.
During an appearance on GB News, Mr. Anderson reiterated his stance, stating, “I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London… He’s actually given our capital city away to his mates.”
Following his suspension, speculation swirled about Mr. Anderson’s potential move to Reform.
A meeting between Mr. Anderson and Mr. Tice at a hotel off the M1 only heightened expectations of his defection to the party. Previously, Mr. Anderson claimed to have been offered “a lot of money” to join the party founded by Mr. Farage.
Reform is presently polling at approximately 12 percent, while the Conservatives stand at 24 percent. Polling experts have consistently cautioned that Reform’s presence could result in the Conservatives losing numerous seats due to vote splitting, even if Reform doesn’t secure any seats in Westminster themselves.
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