Overview

• After months of private talks, Dorries confirmed her move in a Daily Mail column and is set to deliver the opening speech at Reform’s annual conference in Birmingham.
• Nigel Farage welcomed her as a campaign boost and is using the conference to showcase preparations to govern.
• Farage told members to prepare for a possible 2027 general election, arguing Labour’s economic troubles could bring an earlier vote than 2029.
• Party sources say Dorries has not been promised a role in any future Reform government, highlighting the move’s political symbolism over formal appointments.
• Reform figures say a future cabinet could include non‑MPs appointed via the Lords as part of an ‘all the talents’ approach, even as questions about accountability persist, and recent polls reported by multiple outlets show the party leading nationally.