Overview

• The former culture secretary told the conference the Conservatives do not deserve members’ loyalty and urged them to join Reform after declaring the Tory party "dead."
• Nigel Farage announced a new internal department to prepare for office and named ex-chairman Zia Yusuf as head of policy.
• Farage brought his speech forward after Angela Rayner resigned, predicted a "big rift" in Labour, and said there is every chance of a 2027 general election.
• Reform highlighted momentum with reported double‑digit poll leads and growth claims on membership, branches and councillors, while keeping immigration and law‑and‑order central to its pitch.
• The Conservatives said "We wish Nadine well," Labour dismissed Farage’s address as "anger without answers," and Dorries’ move follows earlier Tory defections including Sir Jake Berry, David Jones and Dame Andrea Jenkyns.