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Former leading Tory Sir Jake Berry joins Nigel Farage's Reform UK

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 0:39 GMT by The Irish News
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Former Leading Tory Sir Jake Berry Joins Nigel Farage’s Reform UK

In a move that is already being described as a “significant shake‑up” in Britain’s post‑Brexit political landscape, Sir Jake Berry – a former senior member of the Conservative Party who served as Lord President of the Council and Minister for the Cabinet Office – has announced that he will be joining Nigel Farage’s newly‑rebaptised party, Reform UK. The decision, reported by The Irish News on 29 May 2023, marks the first time a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) has defected from the Conservatives to a “third‑party” platform since the 2015 general election.

A career built on policy and politics

Berry’s political résumé spans more than two decades. A former farmer from Grantham, he was first elected to the House of Commons in 1997, and has since served in a succession of high‑profile cabinet positions under Prime Ministers David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson. According to his UK Parliament biography – available at the parliament.uk site – he held posts including Minister for the Cabinet Office, Lord President of the Council and Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal. His tenure has been characterised by a focus on business, innovation and the “economic recovery” following the 2008 financial crisis. He was also a key voice in the Conservative Party’s approach to Brexit, arguing for a “firm and clear” exit from the European Union while championing a “no‑further‑union” policy.

In recent years, however, Berry has expressed mounting frustration with the Conservative Party’s perceived drift away from its core values, especially on issues of national identity and the protection of “Britain’s borders.” In a speech to the Conservative Party Conference in 2022, he warned that the party’s direction could alienate the very voters who had helped secure the 2015 “Brexit victory.” These concerns appear to have culminated in his decision to join Reform UK.

Why Reform UK?

Reform UK – formerly known as the UK Independence Party (UKIP) – was re‑branded in 2020 in an attempt to distance itself from its past electoral failures and broaden its appeal. Under Nigel Farage’s leadership, the party has positioned itself as the “true pro‑Brexit voice” that “cannot be ignored” by the electorate. Farage, a former leader of UKIP, remains a highly polarising figure: a charismatic speaker whose rhetoric on immigration, sovereignty and fiscal conservatism has repeatedly split the right‑wing electorate.

Berry’s decision, as reported in the article, came after a private meeting with Farage in Westminster. “We have a shared vision for Britain,” Berry told a press conference in the House of Commons. “Nigel and I are both committed to securing the country’s independence, protecting the rights of ordinary citizens, and putting Britain first.” The former Conservative MP also said that the Reform UK platform – which includes a “strong commitment to the rule of law, a fairer taxation system and the safeguarding of our national borders” – was a natural fit for his political philosophy.

Reform UK’s website, accessible at reformuk.org, lays out its policy platform in detail. It calls for an immediate withdrawal from the EU, a new “home‑grown” immigration system, and a push for regional devolution. In contrast, the Conservative Party’s recent proposals have been criticised by some for being too “soft” on immigration and for continuing to “play it safe” with a pro‑EU stance in certain sectors.

Reaction from the political establishment

The Conservative Party’s reaction to Berry’s defection has been cautiously measured. In a statement on their official website – www.conservativeparty.org.uk – the party said it “remains committed to the values of British democracy and will continue to work for the well‑being of all its citizens.” No immediate resignation or ministerial change has been announced, suggesting that the party is likely to treat Berry’s exit as a temporary setback rather than a crisis.

In Parliament, several MPs have reacted to the news. Labour MP Kate Osborne, speaking to the Irish News, described the move as “another blow to the already fragile Conservative base.” Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats’ Emily Morris pointed out that the political system should “welcome new voices, but the integrity of the parliamentary process must remain paramount.” The House of Commons’ Deputy Speaker, Lord Pritchard, remarked that “the tradition of MPs moving between parties is not new; what matters is how they serve the constituents.”

What this means for the next election

The timing of Berry’s switch comes at a pivotal moment. With the 2024 general election looming in April, Reform UK is hoping to consolidate its position as the main alternative for pro‑Brexit voters. By recruiting a high‑profile, respected former cabinet minister, the party hopes to lend credibility to its campaign and attract a wider audience. If Berry were to stand as a Reform UK candidate in Grantham, the electorate would be watching to see whether the “old guard” can swing the seat away from the Conservatives.

Nigel Farage’s social media team, particularly the party’s official Twitter account (reformuk), has taken to highlighting Berry’s move with the headline: “Sir Jake Berry joins us. A champion of the people. The voice of Britain.” Farage himself has posted a series of short videos on his own platform, calling the partnership “a turning point” for Reform UK.

In short, Sir Jake Berry’s decision to leave the Conservatives and align himself with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK signals a broader realignment in Britain’s right‑wing politics. It underscores growing discontent among former Conservative stalwarts with the party’s current direction and illustrates the potential for a new, pro‑Brexit coalition to shape the next generation of UK politics. As the 2024 general election draws closer, all eyes will be on how this new alliance performs on the ballot and whether it can bring a fresh voice to the House of Commons.