Former Conservative Chair Jake Berry Joins Reform UK Amid Party Tensions

Sir Jake Berry, the former chair of the Conservative Party, has officially joined Reform UK, marking a significant defection from the Tories that underscores ongoing tensions within British politics. Berry's departure from the Conservative Party, which he has been a member of for over 25 years, comes as he publicly criticized the party for abandoning its principles and failing to serve the British populace effectively.

In a statement, Berry expressed his disillusionment with the Conservative Party, stating, "The Conservatives have lost their way. They’ve abandoned their principles. They’ve abandoned the British people. And they’ve abandoned me." This announcement is particularly impactful as Berry was a prominent figure within the party, having served as a cabinet minister and led the 'northern powerhouse' initiative aimed at boosting economic growth in the North of England. His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among some party members that the Conservative Party has drifted away from its core values and failed to deliver on key promises, particularly regarding economic stability and community support.

Berry's criticism reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current Conservative leadership under Kemi Badenoch, especially following the party's poor performance in the 2024 general election, where Berry lost his seat in Rossendale and Darwen to Labour's Andy MacNae. The election results indicated a significant shift in voter sentiment, with many citing a desire for real change and effective governance.

According to a poll conducted by YouGov in July 2025, 62% of former Conservative voters feel that the party no longer represents their interests, a sentiment echoed by Berry in his article for The Sun, where he stated, "Millions of people, just like me, want a country they can be proud of again. The only way we get that is with Reform in government."

The significance of Berry's defection is compounded by the fact that he is not alone; he is the fifth former Conservative MP to join Reform UK in recent years, following figures such as David Jones and Lee Anderson. This trend raises questions about the future of the Conservative Party and its ability to retain its base amidst increasing competition from Reform UK, a party that has positioned itself as a serious contender for government.

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has gained traction among disillusioned voters from the traditional parties, leveraging dissatisfaction with both Conservative and Labour policies. Berry's move is seen as an attempt to galvanize support for Reform UK, which he claims is now the 'real opposition' in British politics. He emphasized that Reform UK represents a fresh opportunity for voters seeking alternatives to the status quo.

Political analysts, such as Dr. Emily Hart, Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Manchester, note that Berry’s defection could lead to further shifts within the Conservative Party if similar sentiments continue to grow. Dr. Hart commented, "Berry’s move signifies a fracture in the party that could lead to a larger exodus if the leadership does not address the concerns of its members."

The Labour Party, meanwhile, has seized upon Berry's departure to underscore their critiques of Conservative governance. A spokesperson stated, "It’s clear Farage wants Liz Truss’s reckless economics, which crashed our economy and sent mortgages spiraling, to be Reform’s blueprint for Britain. It’s a recipe for disaster and working people would be left paying the price."

As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Berry's defection and the rise of Reform UK could reshape the dynamics leading into the next general election. Observers will be watching closely to see how the Conservative Party responds to this internal dissent and whether it can regain the trust of its former supporters.

In conclusion, Jake Berry's shift to Reform UK not only signals a personal political realignment but also serves as a barometer for the Conservative Party's current challenges. As voter sentiment shifts and party loyalties are tested, the future of British politics remains uncertain, with potential for significant implications in the coming years.