‘We have a clear agenda’: the teenager who broke news of Tory MP’s defection to Reform

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Ben Quinn Political correspondentJanuary 23, 2026 at 03:09 PM

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long article 4 min

Fifteen-year-old Charlie Simpson, a self-styled "independent journalist," broke the news of Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell's defection to the Reform party before mainstream media. Simpson tweeted the information the day before Rosindell's official announcement, initially facing skepticism. Rosindell confirmed his move to Reform following discussions with Nigel Farage. Sources within Reform dispute Simpson's account, suggesting the information was strategically leaked to him to pressure Rosindell's defection. Simpson, who aims to provide right-wing news as an alternative to mainstream media, has gained prominence through this scoop. He has links to far-right activists and was previously involved in a controversy at his former school.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Robert Jenrick 30% United Kingdom Youth Parliament 30% Whitby, North Yorkshire 35% Westminster 40% Tommy Robinson 40% Kemi Badenoch 40% Essex ×250% Nigel Farage ×370% Conservative Party ×275% Reform UK ×485% Andrew Rosindell ×690% Charlie Simpson ×795%

Keywords

charlie simpson 90% political defection 90% reform uk 80% andrew rosindell 70% conservative party 70% rightwing news 60% nigel farage 60% far right 50% independent journalism 50%