Marco Longhi defects to Reform UK after calling Tories 'unrecognisable' and 'captured by the left-wing'
WATCH: Ex-Labour Adviser admits Nigel Farage and Reform UK are a 'REAL FORCE'
GB NEWS
Former Conservative MP Marco Longhi has switched allegiance to Reform UK in the latest high-profile defection to Nigel Farage's party.
Longhi, who served as the MP for Dudley North from 2019 to 2024, warned "the party of Churchill and Thatcher has transformed into something unrecognisable" as he announced his move to the on-the-rise Reform.
Longhi's statement today announcing his defection reads: "Today, I am proud to announce my transition from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, marking a significant step in my commitment to serving the people of our great nation.
"As a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, I have always remained loyal to my principles and values, but above all, my dedication to you - the people - has always driven my political career.
Longhi said his defection marks 'a significant step in my commitment to serving the people of our great nation'
MARCO LONGHI
'A warm welcome to Marco Longhi,' Farage wrote on social media
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"I stand before you as a patriot, reaffirming that I am now truly at home with Reform UK.
"My loyalty to party leaders started to overshadow my loyalty to you, the people. I had to put a stop to this.
"This decision is about restoring our national identity and prioritising the needs of our citizens over political correctness and elitist agendas.
"The Conservative Party I once identified with - the party of Churchill and Thatcher - has transformed into something unrecognisable, captured by a left-wing influence that masquerades as conservatism at election time, while prioritising the wishes of an elite few when in power.
LATEST AS REFORM UK GATHERS STEAM:
Dame Andrea Jenkyns joined Reform UK late last year in one of the party's highest-profile defections to date
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"In recent years it has repeatedly betrayed your trust - and Labour have never earned that trust in the first place.
"I refuse to be part of this 'uniparty drift' towards an ever more left-wing agenda.
"If I am fortunate enough to represent people again, I will not shy away from the hard truths and necessary actions.
"My commitment to the people was evident when I represented Dudley before and it will remain the same if re-elected.
"I have joined the People's Army, and together, we can make a difference. Let's seize this opportunity for change! Thank you."
Marco Longhi follows in the footsteps of ex-Tory mega-donor Nick Candy, who linked up with Nigel Farage's party in December
PA
The news came just minutes before the start of Reform's first regional conference of the year in Leicester.
Longhi is slated to appear on stage alongside Nigel Farage - who himself has teased his own attack at the Conservatives.
Farage has vowed to "respond to Kemi Badenoch’s crazy conspiracy theories about Reform UK after an apology was not forthcoming" at the conference after a bitter spat over membership numbers erupted on Boxing Day.
Also at the party's landmark East Midlands conference will be Ashfield MP Lee Anderson and party chairman Zia Yusuf.
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