David Jones, a former Conservative cabinet minister, has announced his membership in Reform UK.
Jones, who represented Clwyd West as an MP from 2005 until stepping down in 2024, stated he left the Tories after "more than 50 years of continuous involvement."
"This was, understandably, a difficult decision," he said. "In October, I wrote to the party chairman out of courtesy to explain I would not renew my membership. I received no response."
"I joined the Conservatives decades ago because I believed it aligned with my principles. Sadly, that is no longer true. Reform UK now stands as the party that best matches my views—and, I think, those of many others dissatisfied with the two main parties."
Noting worries over rising living costs, unauthorized immigration, and "the gradual weakening of national sovereignty," Jones said Reform UK was the sole party "showing the resolve required to address the nation's challenges and improve lives across the country."
He clarified that he does not plan to run for office and has joined "simply as an individual."
Jones previously held a ministerial role in the Department for Exiting the EU from 2016 to 2017 under Theresa May. He also served under David Cameron from 2012 to 2014.
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