Another Tory defector rumoured to be joining Reform despite denial

According to journalist Charlie Simpson of GB Politics, Tory Andrew Rosindell has “reached an agreement” to join Reform. The potential move would follow a string of Conservatives joining the party which leader Nigel Farage has previously described as being outside of the “establishment“.

🚨NEW: Tory MP Andrew Rosindell has reached an agreement to defect to Reform UK

[@CharlieSimpsonA]

— GB Politics (@GBPolitcs) January 17, 2026

Conform

Simpson’s post reads in full:

EXCLUSIVE: MP Andrew Rosindell has reached an agreement to defect to Reform UK.

The Romford Member of Parliament has come to an arrangement with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage regarding his defection to the party.

Negotiations between the two have been ongoing for several months. Mr. Rosindell was expected to switch parties a few months ago but had to postpone due to an issue concerning his constituency office.

The MP is working to secure ownership of his constituency office, a process he nearly completed several months ago, but the agreement was ultimately not finalised.

The property is currently owned by the Conservative Party and holds significant importance for him. Mr. Farage has agreed to make an exception, allowing Mr. Rosindell to finalise his defection after the May 7 deadline if he has not secured ownership of Margaret Thatcher House by that date.

Sources close to both Mr. Rosindell and Mr. Farage suggest that the defection could now occur within a matter of weeks.

The number of Conservatives joining the party has proven controversial with some Reform members and politicians.

Reform — The list

Rosindell featured in a list of potential defectors published by Sky News on 16 January. As they noted, Rosindell has spoken fondly of Farage, describing him as a “good man and a patriot”. Sky also noted:

Asked if he was planning to defect, animal lover, Mr Rosindell sent Sky News a photo of a cute dog with the caption: “Who me?” Make of that what you will!

Commentator and GB News contributor Ellie Hodges also predicted that Rosindell would be making a move:

Prediction 🙂: Andrew Rosindell will be the next MP to defect to Reform.
Having spent time with him, I can say he’s hard working, has served his constituents for decades, puts them first, and has held significant roles in Parliament. Reform would be lucky to have him.

— Ellie Hodges (@elliehodges62) January 17, 2026

Infamously, Rosindell was arrested on suspicion of rape in 2022, with the accusations in full including “indecent assault, sexual assault, rape, abuse of position of trust and misconduct in public office”. The police later concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue prosecution.

Featured image via House of Commons