For decades, British politics was dominated by two major parties — the Conservatives and Labour — alternating in power. In early 2026, that structure is beginning to fracture. The battle on the right is no longer only about defeating the left, but about who will lead the entire right-wing camp.
The past month has brought major upheaval. Robert Jenrick, a former cabinet minister and senior Conservative figure, defected to Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, accusing Conservative leaders of betraying core principles. He was soon followed by Andrew Rosindell and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman — a move widely seen as a turning point.
Braverman’s defection was especially significant. Known for her hard-line positions on immigration and national identity, her move raised Reform’s parliamentary representation to eight MPs out of 650.
More importantly, these defections signal to donors, activists, and voters that momentum — and possibly the future — may lie outside the traditional Conservative framework. Reform is increasingly shedding its image as a protest party and positioning itself as a governing alternative staffed by experienced figures.
