Braverman’s predictable defection is Farage’s biggest political gamble yet

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Peter Walker Senior political correspondentJanuary 26, 2026 at 06:48 PM

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Suella Braverman, a former Home Secretary, has joined Reform UK, appearing at a party rally in London. This defection, while unsurprising, marks a significant political gamble for Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Braverman is the latest in a string of Conservative MPs to switch parties, bringing Reform UK's total to eight MPs, including three with high-level government experience. While these defections could create momentum, they also carry the risk of portraying Reform UK as a collection of Tory rejects. Farage is aware of this risk, setting a deadline for further party-switchers. Braverman's past controversies, including being twice sacked as Home Secretary, add to the potential baggage associated with these defections.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Downing Street 30% Rishi Sunak 40% Liz Truss 40% Kemi Badenoch 40% Nadhim Zahawi ×250% Danny Kruger 50% Labour Party 50% Robert Jenrick ×260% Conservative Party ×370% Nigel Farage ×270% Reform UK ×380% Suella Braverman ×790%

Keywords

suella braverman 90% political defection 90% reform uk 80% nigel farage 70% conservative party 70% party switchers 60% political risk 50% cabinet ministers 40%