Former Conservative MP Marco Longhi joins Reform UK, citing 'left-wing' influence in Tory party

Longhi, who represented Dudley North in Parliament from 2019 to 2023, declared his decision in a statement that criticised the current direction of his former party, saying there’s been a shift in its values and a perceived “left-wing” agenda.

In a statement, he said: “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.”

Longhi described his departure as a move driven by a desire to prioritise the interests of the public over party politics. He explained: “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. I stand before you as a patriot, reaffirming that I am now truly at home with Reform UK.”

Longhi accused the Conservative Party of straying from its traditional roots, claiming it had become “unrecognisable.”

He said: “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.”

Criticizing what he called a "uniparty drift," Longhi vowed to continue advocating for the people if re-elected. “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 prioritizing the needs of our citizens over political correctness and elitist agendas,” he added.

“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.”

Longhi concluded: “I have joined the People’s Army, and together, we can make a difference. Let’s seize this opportunity for change! Thank you.”

Reform UK, led by Richard Tice, has positioned itself as a challenger to the traditional two-party system, criticising both Labour and the Conservatives for what it describes as their failure to address the country’s pressing issues, particularly immigration.