Romford MP Andrew Rosindell becomes latest Tory to defect to Reform

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Guardian staffJanuary 18, 2026 at 11:02 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Andrew Rosindell, the Conservative MP for Romford since 2001, has defected to Reform UK, becoming the party's seventh MP. The announcement follows Robert Jenrick's defection earlier in the week. Rosindell cited his opposition to the UK's planned handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as the primary reason for his departure, criticizing both Labour and Conservative parties' handling of the issue. He stated that Reform UK is the only party willing to prioritize the UK's interests. Rosindell's defection marks the third sitting Tory MP to join Reform, further impacting the Conservative party.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Nadhim Zahawi 30% Danny Kruger 30% Diego Garcia 40% Robert Jenrick ×250% Mauritius 50% Romford 60% Kemi Badenoch ×360% Conservative Party ×670% Chagos Islands ×370% Nigel Farage ×370% Reform UK ×480% Andrew Rosindell ×790%

Keywords

andrew rosindell 100% political defection 90% reform uk 80% conservative party 70% chagos islands 70% uk sovereignty 60% nigel farage 60% robert jenrick 50% political party 50%