Overview

• Sky News reports that Mark Gallagher left the Conservatives over the summer and is now backing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
• Gallagher was described by Tory sources as an early adviser and regular contact to Kemi Badenoch, and he donated £2,000 to her 2024 leadership campaign.
• Reports say Gallagher became disillusioned after repeated offers of help went unanswered by Badenoch.
• Conservative sources downplayed the move, saying he had flitted between parties, while Reform figures said he was very disenchanted and a long-time friend of Farage.
• The disclosure emerged as the Conservative Party conference began in Manchester, intensifying scrutiny of Badenoch’s leadership.