Truss Unwelcome in Reform UK Amidst Tory Defections

A source within Reform UK has indicated that Liz Truss would not be welcomed into the party. The insider cited the former prime minister's "baggage" as a significant obstacle to her acceptance by the public. This speculation arose following Sir Jake Berry, a former Conservative Party chairman, announced his decision to join Reform.

Kemi Badenoch, the current leader of the Conservative Party, has dismissed the defectors, suggesting they were never true Conservatives to begin with. Nigel Farage has also expressed a selective approach to accepting defectors from the Conservative Party.

Polling data from Ipsos, released in May, revealed that a third of Britons would view Reform UK more negatively if Truss were to join. While Truss is not the only prominent Tory whose name has been linked to a potential move to Farage's party, she is arguably the most well-known. Another senior Tory, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, is also reportedly unwelcome in Reform due to her perceived "disruptive" record. Braverman's husband, Rael Braverman, switched from the Conservatives to Reform last year.

"Awkward." Sir Jake's defection adds to a growing list of Tory figures who have joined Reform, including David Jones and Dame Andrea Jenkyns. These defections have prompted questions about whether right-leaning politicians see Farage's party as a more viable path to electoral success than the Conservatives.

Earlier in the week, Badenoch criticized the defectors, comparing their actions to those in "banana republics." She stated that these individuals were "welcome" to leave, suggesting they had been a hindrance to the party. Badenoch highlighted the contrasting policy platforms between the Conservatives and Reform, particularly on welfare spending, nationalization, and fiscal responsibility. She concluded that those who favor Reform's policies were likely never true Conservatives.